Find that your loved ones require more assistance than what they’re currently receiving? For some loved ones, they might be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, and thus are unable to function well to perform certain tasks and responsibilities. This can be a difficult phase for many family members involved, which is where geriatric care management comes in. In this article, we provide all the information you need to know about geriatric care management, from the services that geriatric care managers offer to how they guide families into making the right decisions for their loved ones.
What Is Geriatric Care?
Otherwise called geriatric medicine, geriatric care refers to the healthcare of older people. Geriatric care ensures that your loved ones are able to manage their overall health and well-being better in order to achieve a higher quality of life. It also helps them to work towards being more independent. In terms of services-wise, geriatric care features both medical and non-medical or personal treatments. Examples of medical geriatric care are occupational therapy, IV therapy, and physical therapy.
Who Are Geriatric Care Managers?
Geriatric care managers are licensed professionals, such as nurses and social workers, who specialize in managing care for older people. They are somewhat of a ‘professional relative’ as they have to remain in close relations with loved ones and their families. Some topics can lead to challenging conversations, so geriatric care managers can act as neutral third parties to lead families through emotionally charged situations.
Responsibilities of Geriatric Care Managers
At the end of the day, the main responsibility of geriatric care managers is to identify the areas of concern and create a care plan that puts loved ones, their families, and caregivers peace of mind. They will also coordinate medical services, hire a personal team of care personnel, evaluate living conditions, and make home visits occasionally. Other areas that geriatric care managers can help families in are crisis intervention, as well as financial, housing, and legal matters.
When to Hire Geriatric Care Managers?
Navigating the senior care system can be stressful and confusing, so geriatric care managers can help ease the problem for you and other family members. There are some situations in which having a geriatric care manager can provide great relief. Common ones are if you’re entirely lost and unsure of what steps to take next, or you stay far away from your loved ones, thus are unable to visit often. Some loved ones may also not be comfortable discussing their health with family members so as to not burden them, so geriatric care managers will check on loved ones regularly and share their concerns with the family.
Finding Geriatric Care Managers
In the United States, there are organizations that help you to find qualified geriatric care managers. Platforms like Eldercare Locator can also provide recommendations. While interviewing geriatric care managers, it’s good to ask about their experiences and whether they can respond to emergencies around the clock. Do enquire about their rates as well, though in general, geriatric care managers charge around $75 to $200 an hour.
