Grief Counseling Columbia, MO: Your Care Team- Interview with Nicole Black, Geriatric Care Manager
Nicole Black, Geriatric Care Manager and Yoga instructor, Columbia, MO
Hello, I am Nicole Black, and I am a licensed social worker with over fifteen years of experience working with individuals living with dementia or special needs and their caregivers. I believe in advocating for my clients collaboratively while navigating their unique challenges. Honoring my client's dignity and strengths are of utmost importance to her.
I am a trained and licensed social worker, having completed my clinical practicum at the Alzheimer’s Association. I hold a master’s degree in social work from the University of Kansas, and I live in Columbia, Missouri, where I enjoy spending time with my husband, two children, and rescue dog. I have the privilege of serving others as a Geriatric Care Manager with AgeWise Advocacy & Consulting, a Kansas City-based firm offering care in Mid-Missouri. When I have free time, I enjoy hiking, bicycling, attempting to garden and reading. I also own Peaceful Posture, offering in-home gentle yoga for those with dementia, those recovering from or receiving cancer treatment, and their caregivers.
Additionally, I believe in giving back to my community. I currently serve as a NICU volunteer baby rocker at the University of Missouri Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
Who and Why should someone use your services
If you or your aging loved one has received a recent medical diagnosis that may require guidance or planning for an immediate, emergency, or future needs, they should certainly feel comfortable reaching out to us. If we are unable to help, we will be happy to provide a resource or referral that may be able to assist. Additionally, if you have questions about advocacy or care for your loved one, we can help with that too. Our website gives a great overview of our services, agewisekc.com. We help with a variety of needs and we make it a point to listen to our clients and guide them in ways that uphold their dignity and self-worth.
Why did you decide to work as a care manager in Columbia and Central Missouri? I was working as a Geriatric Care Manager in Kansas City before moving to Columbia several years ago. The opportunity to offer care in and around Columbia fulfills a definite need within the community. It is a privilege to be able to offer assistance and be a small part of an individual's and family’s journey.
What kind of services do you provide?
We provide a breadth of care management services. It really depends on what the client needs and wants. After completing an assessment and a consultation, we will give them a more detailed sense of a plan, especially concerning immediate and long-term needs. They can call our main line at 573-355-0912 for a free inquiry, where we can learn more about their needs and see if we are a good match to assist them.
How does your service help seniors with anxiety, depression, and grief?
We walk alongside the loved one AND their family, so we are able to look at their needs from a systems-based approach. We help our clients and their families recognize their strengths, how they can enhance and prolong those, and what resources and medical care will best fit with their goals. Often, we are with families from the time they contact us through the duration of their disease, so we really get to know them and can advocate for them. However, some families only request we provide a single consultation, and that is always an option as well. Having a licensed and professional advocate who understands a family’s loved one, their disease, and their expected progression can alleviate some worry and anxiety. That is why we do what we do. We want to help their journey be the best it can be with the utmost quality of life.
What kind of people do you love working with?
I especially love working with complex situations and individuals who are living with dementia. Helping them and their families navigate the disease process and progression to the best of their abilities truly fulfills my calling. Enhancing quality of life and upholding the dignity of a loved one are always at the top of my list. Additionally, I enjoy helping adult children or spouses find a way to return closer to their role as a spouse or adult child rather than the role of full-time caregiver. This allows their quality of life to improve as well.
What happens during the first appointment with you?
It varies, depending on the situation, and I am sensitive to the nuances of each family and disease diagnosis. However, typically, I meet with the immediate family or caregivers along with the person living with the disease or living with an aging process. I usually come to the home and meet with them where they are comfortable. We will discuss various points, completing an assessment which enhances the consultation. From there, the family and/or individual choose how they wish to proceed and how much of my help they require and request.
What do you wish people knew about services with you?
My only wish is that individuals and families knew of my existence and the profession of Geriatric Care Management. Many are often surprised to learn about the kind of care and support we provide. We are here to help, and we have a heart for serving...so please reach out!
How can people contact you to learn more about your Columbia, Missouri, services?
They can call our main line (which rings directly to my work cell phone) at 573-355-0912. Or they can email me directly at nicole@agewisekc.com. There is also a contact email on our website, agewisekc.com. Jerry, thanks so much for this opportunity to reach others.
Author: Jerry W. Kiesling, MSW, LCSW. Learn more about Jerry.
Please call Jerry for a free 15-minute consultation at 573-238-8575 to start Grief Counseling Columbia, MO, today.
