You are not alone

I know how challenging it can be to care for an aging loved one.  It can be scary, and you can sometimes feel like you’re all alone.   You don’t have to be.

I am an Elder Care Consultant and Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 20 years of experience working with seniors and their families. I am a conscientious professional, but more importantly, I feel that each family is special and deserves to be treated with compassion and respect. As your consultant, I will carefully assess your situation, create a specialized plan that is sensitive to you and your loved one’s needs, as well as provide you with the very best options for their care. In this difficult time, I can help put your mind a little more at ease. Please do not hesitate, call now!

About Amy Fuchs, The Elder Expert

Born and raised in Rockland County, New York, I currently reside in Bergen County, New Jersey with my husband, two children and Golden Retriever, Lucky. I attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.  I then went on to obtain my Master of Social Work degree from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work in New York City and have been working as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1997.  My career began at a skilled nursing facility in New York City where I worked with both long-term care residents as well as those on the sub-acute rehabilitation unit. I provided counseling, community referrals, and discharge planning services. I not only attended to the needs of the residents, but my work also extended to helping those intimately involved in their care. I helped them cope with the complex feelings that surrounded the necessary decisions at this delicate stage in life.

With volunteer work being one of my guiding principles in life, I presently volunteer my services within my community, helping many seniors in need. Additionally, I am affiliated with the National Association of Social Workers as well as the Aging Life Care Association, which allows me to stay current on issues pertaining to the aging population.

My Services

  • Comprehensive Psychosocial Assessments
  • Counseling and Support for Caregivers and Family Members
  • In-Home Assessments
  • Mediation Services
  • Placement Recommendations such as Assisted Living, Rehabilitation, and Skilled Nursing Facilities
  • Advocate for Residents Currently Living in a Facility
  • Referral to Home Care Agencies
  • Advice regarding Medicare, Medicaid, and other Health Insurance
  • Assistance in Arranging Legal, Financial and Medical Services
  • Information about Advance Directives (i.e. Health Care Proxy and Living Will)
  • Information about Palliative (End-Of-Life) Care
  • Referrals to Community Resources (i.e. transportation, cleaning, shopping, medical equipment, PERS & Senior Centers)
  • Advice Regarding Alzheimer’s Care and Related Programs
Comprehensive Psychosocial Assessments
Counseling and Support for Caregivers and Family Members
In-Home Assessments
Placement Recommendations such as Assisted Living, Rehabilitation, and Skilled Nursing Facilities
Advocate for Residents Currently Living in a Facility
Referral to Home Care Agencies
Advice regarding Medicare, Medicaid, and other Health Insurance
Assistance in Arranging Legal, Financial and Medical Services
Information about Advance Directives (Health Care Proxy, Power of Attorney and Living Will)
Information about Palliative (End-Of-Life) Care
Referrals to Community Resources (transportation, cleaning, shopping, medical equipment, PERS & Senior Centers)
Advice Regarding Alzheimer’s Care and Related Programs

Inspired to live fully

Throughout my life, I have always had an affinity for working with seniors, not only because they can teach us many life lessons, but they may, in fact, hold the key to the meaning of life. Guided by my desire to live a full and rich life, I have dedicated myself to the needs of aging adults and how best to help them and their families through the aging process and the many challenges it presents.

It was during graduate school, working with homebound seniors when I realized my calling. I had a client who had very little family involvement and little outside support. As an intern at a local community agency, I was the only advocate and support she had in the world. I immediately recognized that this was not a unique situation. It was at that moment in my life when I felt that no other senior should ever feel so alone.

I went on to coordinate the Social Work Internship program at a skilled nursing facility where I was employed. I was able to educate and train future social workers to be more sensitive to the needs of the aging population. I now offer my services as an Elder Care Consultant guiding seniors and their families through the complex health care system to ensure they receive the best care available.

Affiliations

Featured Articles

Testimonials

“Amy is truly amazing.  She is professional, compassionate, knowledgable, and attentive to not only the needs of your loved but to the entire family as well.

Amy was able to assist with the coordination of my dad’s care while I was not living locally. She was my eyes and ears.  She is very clear in her role and knows how to manage the many different personalities that become involved with someones care.  She was not only an advocate for my dad but for me as well.  She made sure that any questions my family had, were answered accurately and promptly.  She knows how to navigate a sometimes complicated medical system.  Never once did I have to question if something was being addressed and taken care of .  Amy was always one step ahead of me  – leading the way, quietly and professionally.  Always being attentive to the fact that my dads wishes needed to be followed and carried out.  To the very end Amy had my dad’s and my family’s interest in mind.   She is very knowledgeable in her field and knows exactly what steps need to be next and communicates them very clearly.  Not once did I feel lost during this very difficult time.  She was always there.  

My dad’s wishes were followed.  I can honestly say that if Amy were not part of his team I am not sure the path would have been so clear.

I am forever grateful to Amy and her kindness she extended to our family, especially my dad. I would highly recommend Amy!”

V.L., Rhode Island

“Being from out of state and needing someone to trust with the care of my Uncle and Aunty was very difficult. But we found the perfect person to do this. Amy Fuchs’ credentials were impeccable and professional and her work proved this to be true. Amy followed through with everything she said she would do and more. What I really appreciated was that she was very communicative so we knew what was happening every step of the way and she alleviated our worries. She became like family to Uncle and Aunty. She went on doctor’s appointments with them and even made home visits to check up on them and then communicated this to us. I would trust Amy with anyone’s family.”

– Patty O., Washington

“Without Amy’s unwavering support and guidance, I don’t know how I would have gotten through the challenges I faced this past year while caring for my father. Amy has been my guardian angel throughout this stressful time. Amy was able to guide me and answer the many questions surrounding my father’s care. She provided me with the steps needed to safely transfer my father from Assisted Living, to several Nursing Homes and Rehab facilities to eventually Hospice, where he passed in peace. I strongly recommend Amy’s Elder Care Consulting services to anyone who may be dealing with an aging parent or loved one”

– Mary W., New York

“The Elder Expert (Amy Fuchs) was the best decision I ever made for my mom but more importantly, for myself. I sincerely appreciate Amy’s fast response and the individual attention I was given at such a trying time. Anyone faced with an elderly parent in need of living assistance can tell you, knowing what direction to take in a system filled with choices and stumbling blocks is often more difficult than making the final heart breaking decision for your parent. Amy’s prompt, professional and personal service is a rare commodity in today’s marketplace. I couldn’t be a more satisfied client.”

– Robert C., New York

“My childless aunt and uncle lived in a house in a different state all by themselves – no kids or relatives nearby. We got a call that they were not doing well, so some cousins went out to help out and see what was going on. We took them to doctors’ appointments, arranged for housecleaning and senior helpers, bought items they needed, etc. Then we had to return to our respective families in different states. A social worker friend of mine suggested we hire a “Geriatric Care Manager” to help them since no family was around. I googled “Certified Geriatric Care Managers” in their zip code and was extremely blessed to find Amy Fuchs. Amy went to good schools and has a Master’s degree. When she came for an interview, we all immediately liked her, and my aunt and uncle felt very comfortable with her. She is extremely professional, knowledgeable, competent, and dependable. More than that she really cares. It was easy to forget that she wasn’t a cousin! She took them to doctors’ appointments, visited them in hospitals and nursing homes, and even arranged a little birthday celebration for my aunt, complete with gifts and special foods. She was instrumental in getting them transported from New Jersey to California, where they are now surrounded by family. Amy was also excellent at communicating with us, via email reports and phone calls. She arranged some conference calls and was always available by text and phone. I cannot say enough great things about Amy and The Elder Expert LLC.”

– Karen K., Texas

“I first contacted Amy three years ago when my father, who lives five hours from me, needed assistance in order to stay in his home. Amy’s intelligence and experience in eldercare is matched equally with her warmth and sensitivity. Not only has she enabled my dad to live well the life he wishes for himself but also she has become a friend to our family. We know we can count on Amy to find the best services for my dad and, most critically, to be there when an emergency arises.”

Sue K., Vermont

“I highly recommend The Elder Expert, Amy Fuchs. She has been invaluable to myself and my family over the past year as we faced the difficult transition of placing my mother, who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, into a long-term care facility. She thoroughly explained our options of home care versus a long-term facility. She was extremely knowledgeable in placement recommendations as well as coordinating the necessary legal, financial and medical services. Her counseling and support for myself and my family was a tremendous source of relief during a difficult time. Amy has always been accessible by phone or email and willing to listen when needed. I am so thankful I reached out to her in a time of confusion as she is kind, caring, conscientious and got the job done!”

– Jeannie S, New Jersey

“I have known Amy Fuchs for six years, and she is an intelligent and compassionate person. Her dedication to her business has always impressed me, but it wasn’t until my family was faced with my father in law’s Alzheimer’s disease that I understood the incredible value Amy provides. Dealing with this illness is devastating, stressful, and scary for the entire family. Amy helped us to develop a plan of action when we decided to look for a full-time aide for my father in law. Using her extensive connections, she introduced us to the top agencies around. She also lends a sympathetic ear and is very discreet. It’s hard to imagine going through this experience without Amy’s help.”

– Jen K., New Jersey

“Amy Fuchs has been helping me care for my elderly aunt and uncle as well as my disabled cousin for the past 6 months. Amy is a kind, caring and knowledgeable professional who has helped me deal with every aspect of their care. She has been a strong advocate for both me and my family members and has helped us with day to day situations and critical care when needed. Amy has helped me honor my family members’ wishes to live together in their home for as long as possible. She is truly a guardian angel.”

Adrienne H., New Jersey

“Thank you for all of your help this year. I owe you a debt of gratitude for your hours and your emotional support. Your understanding of my mother and my needs has been exceptional, especially these last two months. I would not have found the energy or courage to fight the ’power’ at the assisted living facility to make this change happen. I am excited and relieved that my mother will at long last come to Colorado.”

Priscilla I., Colorado

 “Amy’s help and guidance has been invaluable to my parents and our family.  I would highly recommend her service and support to any family coping with aging related issues.  Before engaging Amy, we were flying blind trying to deal with one issue at a time without enough experience and understanding of where we were headed.  Within our first couple of meetings, Amy helped us understand what we were going through and what was on the horizon.  Starting with our family’s most immediate practical needs and working through longer term planning and challenges has a been invaluable gift.  We are forever grateful for Amy’s knowledge, understanding, support and advice.”

Seth S., New Jersey

“Being from out of state and needing someone to trust with the care of my Uncle and Aunty was very difficult. But we found the perfect person to do this. Amy Fuchs’ credentials were impeccable and professional and her work proved this to be true. Amy followed through with everything she said she would do and more. What I really appreciated was that she was very communicative so we knew what was happening every step of the way and she alleviated our worries. She became like family to Uncle and Aunty. She went on doctor’s appointments with them and even made home visits to check up on them and then communicated this to us. I would trust Amy with anyone’s family.”

– Patty O., Washington

“Without Amy’s unwavering support and guidance, I don’t know how I would have gotten through the challenges I faced this past year while caring for my father. Amy has been my guardian angel throughout this stressful time. Amy was able to guide me and answer the many questions surrounding my father’s care. She provided me with the steps needed to safely transfer my father from Assisted Living to several Nursing Homes and Rehab facilities to eventually Hospice, where he passed in peace. I strongly recommend Amy’s Elder Care Consulting services to anyone who may be dealing with an aging parent or loved one”

– Mary W., New York

“I first contacted Amy three years ago when my father, who lives five hours from me, needed assistance in order to stay in his home. Amy’s intelligence and experience in eldercare is matched equally with her warmth and sensitivity. Not only has she enabled my dad to live well the life he wishes for himself but also she has become a friend to our family. We know we can count on Amy to find the best services for my dad and, most critically, to be there when an emergency arises.”

Sue K., Vermont

Contact

The Elder Expert, LLC

Amy Fuchs, LCSW, C–ASWCM
P.O. Box 469
Saddle River, NJ 07458

tel: 917-576-6273
fax: 201-825-9753
amyfuchs@theelderexpert.com

11 + 9 =

The Elder Expert, LLC

Amy Fuchs, LCSW, C–ASWCM
P.O. Box 469
Saddle River, NJ 07458

tel: 917-576-6273
fax: 201-825-9753
amyfuchs@theelderexpert.com

Serving Bergen County, NJ and Rockland County, NY

© 2024 - The Elder Expert, LLC