Marnie Dodd

Marnie Dodd, LCSW, Elder Care Coordinator (Click to email)

Marnie grew up in Dalton, Georgia. She attended Georgia State and, after graduating, went to work as a Court Service Worker for the Division of Youth Services, Rome Georgia. Later, she moved to Athens, Georgia where she worked for Family Counseling Service before moving to Alabama. While Marnie was in Athens, she entered the Social Work Program at UGA and graduated with a Masters Degree in 1994. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Marnie returned to Dalton Georgia in 1999. Since then, she has been a primary family caregiver. Prior to joining the Elder Law Staff, Marnie worked as a Medical Social Worker for a local hospice agency. She is a member of Rock Bridge Community Church. Marnie enjoys doing just about anything outside, walking, hiking, camping and her favorite place to "be" is on the beach.

What does an Elder Care Coordinator do?

• Assist Mr. McGuffey in communicating with the client and other persons who are on the client's team
• Conduct functional assessments primarily to assist in the planning process, but also to identify problems, and suggest solutions.
• Assist clients in identifying and communicating with in-home help or other services.
• Assist in reviewing financial, legal, or medical issues and offer referrals to geriatric specialists to avoid future problems while conserving financial resources.
• Assist with crisis intervention.
• Act as a liaison to families at a distance, overseeing care and quickly alerting families to problems.
• Assist with transitioning an older or disabled person to or from a retirement complex, assisted care home, or nursing home.
• Provide consumer education and advocacy.
• Offer counseling and support.
• Assist in accessing public benefits for which clients may be eligible.

In our practice, we do not provide any "health care" or "therapy" services. We will not make a medical diagnosis and do not second-guess your health care providers. What we provide is support to help you locate resources that will enhance the quality of life for elders and disabled individuals. When our families contact us, our goal is to provide answers and to provide support. We also assist families by empowering them with information and techniques to better participate in the informed consent process.

105 N. Pentz Street
Dalton, Georgia 30720
(706) 428-0888
Fax: (706) 278-7986

WWW www.mcguffey.net