Alphabet Soup

Have you ever looked at the signature of a care provider and see a list of letters at the end of their name? While we know these letters must be the education and training that the provider has, how can we figure out what the letters mean? How do we know which ones are important? How do we make sense of the alphabet soup?
If you are an older adult or are a caregiver of an older adult, there are three letters that are worth looking for– CSA. This stands for “Certified Senior Advisor”. The actress, Bette Davis, is famous for saying “Old age aint no place for sissies”. In this statement, she clearly (and wittingly) articulates how the aging process brings unique challenges that often require strength, endurance, adaptation, creative thinking at times, and access to resources and support when needed. The Certified Senior Advisor has the expertise to support individuals at this stage in life. The CSA has specific knowledge about physical and mental health changes associated with the aging process, caregiver needs, and family dynamics. The CSA understands the public systems of Medicare, Medicaid, transportation, housing, and other community supports. The CSA also has knowledge of long term planning tools to manage health decisions and finances in the retirement years.
Those who obtain this Certification—and letters behind their name—must pass a comprehensive exam, and must adhere to high professional standards when providing support to clients. Those who are a CSA are also part of a national network of experts in this field. Extension of You is fortunate to have staff members with this training and the CSA letters behind their name. They are a few letters in the alphabet soup that makes sense!

Beth Stalvey

Beth Stalvey has over twenty years experience working in direct care and health and human services for older adults and persons with disabilities and their families. She has worked with public, private, academic, and government entities conducting research and policy work related to hospitals, outpatient healthcare settings, long-term care facilities, and community services. She has published papers and presents regularly on topics such as physical and mental health, health care services, caregiving, transportation, mobility, housing, elder abuse, lifelong planning, community supports. She received formal training in Gerontology, and holds both a Master’s Degree and Ph.D. in Public Health, Aging and Disabilities and currently serves as Executive Director of Triangle Aging and Disability Policy Consultants.