Emma Case (00:00):
Welcome to Inside The Senior Alliance, a podcast exploring resources and issues in the field of aging. I’m Emma Case, Planning and Advocacy Manager at The Senior Alliance, the Area Agency on Aging, serving Western and Southern Wayne County. Joining me today is Kristin Holtz, the Training and Client Services Manager for our Options Counseling Department at The Senior Alliance. Kristin, thank you for joining me today.
Kristin Holtz (00:21):
Thank you, Emma. Glad to be here. Thanks for having me.
Emma Case (00:23):
So Kristin, I want to know, what does long-term Person-Centered Options Counseling entail and how does that differ from other forms of care planning or case management?
Kristin Holtz (00:33):
Person-Centered Options Counseling in the MI Options Program is a guided decision support process that helps individuals make informed, values-based choices about long-term services and supports. It is designed to help individuals explore and understand their long-term care options rather than focusing on service delivery or eligibility. Person-Centered Options Counseling centers on the person’s goals, values, and preferences. It empowers the individual to choose from a range of community-based and institutional options. Unlike case management, which often kicks in after someone is already in crisis or enrolled in a program. Person-Centered Options Counseling is proactive. We want to engage people before they’re in crisis, empowering them to make informed choices with clarity and confidence.
Emma Case (01:18):
What is Person-Centered Options Counseling or PCOC model and how is that different than the traditional counseling?
Kristin Holtz (01:27):
So the Person-Centered Options Counseling model is a structured, interactive approach, grounded in person-centered thinking. It prioritizes active listening, goal-oriented planning, empowerment over direction and proactive engagement. Rather than focusing on providing information or clinical advice, Person-Centered Options Counseling focuses on exploring choices that align with an individual’s desired lifestyle and values, not just medical or financial need. The Person-Centered Options Counseling program uses an interactive process to build relationships and establish trust in order to understand each person’s unique preferences and needs. Person-Centered Options Counseling focuses on the person and not on the caregiver, agency, agency services, or the staff, and respects the person’s right to make choices and control the decision making process. We ask what’s important to you and not just what service do you qualify for. It’s about helping people align their care with how they want to live, whether that’s aging at home, transitioning with dignity, or maintaining independence. And a great part of this program is that follow-up is built into the model. Those working with Options Counselors will have continuous follow-up touchpoint conversations or appointments at least every two weeks while working with an Options Counselor to help build that connection and provide ongoing support until an individual’s goals are self-identified as addressed or met.
Emma Case (02:49):
Can you explain the role of an Options Counselor and what kind of training do they undergo and how do they assist individuals?
Kristin Holtz (02:56):
Yeah, so Options Counselors are trained professionals who guide individuals through long-term care choices. They listen deeply, they help clarify goals, and they connect people to community services like transportation, housing, home care, and as well as public systems like Medicaid. Options Counselors can engage with individuals either at a community site near them or telephonically depending on the individual’s preference. Their training includes person-centered planning, motivational interviewing, cultural competency, and in-depth knowledge of both local and statewide resources. Training will be ongoing to provide current information as our world evolves. Options Counselors are not there to make decisions for you. They’re there to support your decision making process.
Emma Case (03:40):
In what ways does Person-Centered Options Counseling benefit older adults, individuals with disabilities and their caregivers, particularly in terms of maintaining their independence and quality of life?
Kristin Holtz (03:51):
Person-Centered Options Counseling helps by promoting independent living and remaining at home when possible delaying or avoiding institutional care, ensuring services align with personal values and goals. I can help reduce caregiver stress through better planning, as well as just feeling more confident in the support they’re providing and facilitating smoother transitions between care settings. This helps preserve dignity, autonomy, and quality of life for both the individual and their support network. Person-Centered Options Counseling provides continuous support. Counseling is recognized as an ongoing process, potentially requiring multiple sessions and follow-ups to address evolving needs.
Emma Case (04:28):
Who is eligible for Person-Centered Options Counseling? Are there any age, income, or disability criteria that a individual must meet?
Kristin Holtz (04:36):
One of the most unique and accommodating aspects of the MI Options Program is that there is no age, income, asset or disability criteria in order to qualify for enrollment into the Person-Centered Options Counseling. We can help any adult navigate this system.
Emma Case (04:52):
How can someone be referred to work with an Options Counselor?
Kristin Holtz (04:55):
So referrals can come from individuals themselves, family members, hospitals or discharge planners, community agencies, or primary care providers. What’s important to know is that people can self refer without any prior authorization or external referral simply by contacting the MI Options Program at The Senior Alliance. You would do this by calling 734-727-2067 to be scheduled to work with an Options Counselor.
Emma Case (05:23):
How do you ensure that the counseling provided is Person-Centered and tailored to the unique needs and preferences of each individual?
Kristin Holtz (05:31):
So Person-Centered Options Counseling uses several strategies for that. The process is dynamic adapting as a person’s needs evolved. It’s built into the process, so counselors use tools like listening sessions to identify goals and concerns. There’s a use of decision aids and tools that are visual, ongoing follow up and plan updates. There’s inclusion of family and caregivers when that’s desired, and there’s clear documentation of preferences and goals to revisit over time to reflect evolving needs. The result of this is a custom roadmap, a not one size fits all list of services, and every conversation is unique because every person is unique.
Emma Case (06:06):
What types of community partnerships and organizations are involved in the PCOC network and how do they collaborate to streamline the access to services?
Kristin Holtz (06:15):
The overarching goal of the MI Options Program is to have a one-stop shop where folks only have to tell their story once and have an Options Counselor, help them understand their options by navigating local and statewide services and support networks by their side alleviating what can be confusing and laborious tasks for the client. The statewide MI Options Network operates out of 16 grantees in the state of Michigan, The Senior Alliance being one of them, serving Western Wayne County and Down River that provides Person-Centered Options Counseling and State Health Insurance Assistance Counseling. The network is broad and collaborative, including the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, other area agencies on Aging, Centers for Independent Living, Medicaid waiver programs, veteran services, behavioral health providers, and transportation, housing, nutrition services and more. And these partners coordinate through referral systems and warm handoffs to reduce fragmentation and delays in service. The goal is for individuals to get what they need without having to navigating a confusing web of services on their own.
Emma Case (07:17):
For those who are interested in learning more or accessing Options Counseling services, where can they find additional information or get in touch with their local options counselor?
Kristin Holtz (07:26):
Person-Centered Options Counseling through the MI Options Statewide program is just starting to roll out. We are excited to start working with our community members, and you can call The Senior Alliance at again, (734) 727-2067 for more information or to schedule an appointment with a counselor. Appointments can either be in person at a local community site near you or telephonically. We also provide multilingual services.
Emma Case (07:51):
Kristin, before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share to our listeners about the Person-Centered Options Counseling program, or any thoughts that you might have for somebody who’s considering reaching out to a long-term care counselor?
Kristin Holtz (08:04):
You know, Person-Centered Options Counseling I think it’s important to remember that it’s not just for crisis situations, you know, it’s also for proactive planning. Whether you’re exploring options for yourself, a parent, or someone you care for, the process is designed to empower and not overwhelm. And reaching out early can help avoid future complications and ensure your path aligns with your values. Planning ahead is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself or a loved one. And it’s not about pressure or pushing services, it’s just about understanding your choices and making the ones that truly reflect your values. Person-Centered Options Counseling is about giving people the freedom to shape their future their way.
Emma Case (08:42):
Kristin, thank you so much for joining me.
Kristin Holtz (08:45):
Absolutely Emma. Thank you so much for asking me to join you and chat about this awesome program.
Emma Case (08:50):
If you have any questions about services or programs The Senior Alliance offers, you can call us at (734) 722-2830 or email us at info@thesenioralliance.org. Information about our agency or the programs and services we offer can be found on our website at www.thesenioralliance.org. Finally, on Facebook, we can be located by searching for The Senior Alliance. I’m Emma Case. Thank you for listening to this episode of Inside The Senior Alliance.
Speaker 3 (09:19):
Inside The Senior Alliance is a production of The Senior Alliance and Blazing Kiss Media.
