What is the role of the geriatric care manager?

A geriatric care manager is a valuable resource for families facing life transitions. While providing tangible services, the very presence of an experienced professional offers families peace of mind and emotional support.

Services start with a comprehensive client evaluation that is performed at home so that we can get a full picture of your loved one’s capabilities. From there we develop a care plan with specific recommendations to address needs. Care plans are very individualized, but may include:

  • Assistance with medical, legal, and financial decisions
  • Recommendations regarding home care assistance, house cleaning, bathing, and other personal care matter
  • Coordination and monitoring of service providers, with reports to families
  • Emotional support and counseling for life transitions
  • Serving as a long-distance caregiving liaison between family, client, and service providers

How do I know when my mom is no longer safe at home?

Families often struggle with the decision of when to move a parent from the home they feel so comfortable in and it is very common for an aging parent to stridently resist such a move. This being the case it is easy to understand how you might miss some warning signs that tell you the time to make a decision is now. Here are some things to look for:

  • Frequent falls
  • Weight loss
  • Lack of sleep
  • Depression
  • Forgetfulness that often leads to confusion

If you are struggling with the decision of what to do next, the best thing you can do to help yourself and your parent is to call a geriatric care manager who will visit and assess the situation and then discuss the best options with you.

If my dad does not want to go out to see his physician at the office any more what do I do?

Physicians specializing in Gerontology will make home visits and assess the client at their home. They will prescribe appropriate medications and provide follow-up care. If the doctor is designated as the individual’s primary physician, claims can be submitted to Medicare for payment.

Should I give my home to my children?

Before transferring your home to anyone, it is recommended that you seek the advice of an attorney who specializes in elder care. An attorney will advise you on this and other matters including the Medicaid look back policy which is important to know if you anticipate needing nursing home placement in the future.

Would someone be able to assist me with the overwhelming task of moving to an assisted living facility?

Yes, a geriatric care manager will coordinate and assist with the transfer and every aspect of the move including:

  • Completing the necessary paperwork
  • Changing health care workers
  • Organizing items that must be moved and making packing arrangements
  • Providing services to assist with the adjustment needed for this transition
  • Easing the burden of worry so often felt by loved ones who are not available to visit by providing reports to family members throughout the transition and adjustment period

My family members can’t seem to agree on the best care plan for our parents; what do we do?

The geriatric care manager will meet with all members of the family for a family meeting at the home of the elderly parents and provide an objective opinion that is based upon years of professional experience. As an unbiased moderator, the care manager will be able to answer questions candidly and offer a variety of options for consideration.

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