Geriatric Care Managers: Helping Seniors and Their Families

1. eriatric are anagers: elping eniors and heir amilies G C M H S T F What is a Geriatric Care Manager? Geriatric Care Managers are invaluable in helping seniors and their families figure out how to get the care they need and not go broke in the process. Seniors health care policies are extremely complicated and to try and understand the benefits and exclusions of these policies can be challenging for seniors and their families. That’s one of the many services that a Geriatric Care Manager can provide.A care manager for seniors is known as a Geriatric care manager. These are trained human service professionals who can help you or your loved one with all aspects of the care management and caregiving process. Because there are a growing number of seniors who need assistance, geriatric care managers are filling gaps in their care that family members are not able, or do not want to do. The Geriatric Care Manager Role A geriatric care manager works with the family and senior to create and implement a comprehensive short and long-term care plan which enables the senior to maintain their health and independence. This is accomplished by putting in place staff and services with the highest quality care at the best price. Geriatric care managers have a specialization in caring for seniors, and some can also provide care to people with disabilities, no matter the care needs or age of the client. Qualifications of a Geriatric Care Manager Care managers typically have graduate level degrees in nursing, psychology, social work, or gerontology, and most are certified or licensed.

2. The Process of Getting Help When the Geriatric Care managers begin their work, they typically start with an assessment of the person’s needs, which includes exploring the available family and community resources, financial resources, as well as the physical and mental health of the client. Once the initial evaluation is made and the care plan created, the Geriatric Care Manager continuously monitors and re-evaluates the plan by either advising the family about existing resources or by becoming a member of the long-term care team. What Do Geriatric Care Managers Do Generally, geriatric care managers will help with the following: • Screen and Assess care needs. • Determine client’s eligibility for financial assistance, problems, and services required. • Arrange for and monitor in-home medical care and related services. • Provide counseling and support for families, client, and other involved in the caregiving process. • Provide advocacy for the client and/or family. • Assist a client in changing their living environment, if needed. • Assist with coordination and communication between family members and caregivers. • Offer crisis intervention, as needed. • Make referrals to specialists for medical, legal, dietary, or financial matters. Custom Care Geriatric Care Managers tailor each care plan to each individual’s custom needs. Therefore, it is important to make all of your needs known to theGeriatric Care Managerinitially when you meet with them. Benefits of Hiring a Geriatric Care Manager: Convenience: Not all, but some are available around the clock Continuity: It is easier for the care giver to ensure continuity of care Control of Costs: They coordinate better to help keep costs down Custom Care: Care manager tailors care to your loved ones needs Flexibility: Having a person who is available at times when you need them, enables you to resume many of your normal activities Higher Quality Care: Geriatric care managers are governed by standards of quality care set forth by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers If interested in learning more-schedule an in home assessment. Or call us directlyat 1-800-296-9962