Using a Geriatric Care Manager to THRIVE

With the Age Wave beginning to take effect and our aging population continuing to grow like never before, job fields are being needed and developed that might not have existed, or been too well known of until now. One such area is Geriatric Care Management. While Geriatrics as a medical field is pretty well known, Geriatric Care Management is a well-kept secret. When I share with people what I do for a living, frequently people only know of this area if they have personal knowledge for whatever reason.

What is a Geriatric Care Manager?

A Geriatric Care Manager is a specialist who acts as a guide and advocate for families who are caring for and dealing with an older adult.  Geriatric Care Managers can be educated in a variety of fields; some of these can include:

→psychology

→social work

→work

→gerontology

→nursing

At Thrive Geriatric Care Management we strive to assist the client in maximizing their functional potential. Independence is encouraged while also addressing safety concerns. Geriatric Care Managers also have extensive knowledge of the cost, quality and availability of resources within their service area.

When Should I Enlist the Assistance of a Geriatric Care Manager?

I've compiled a brief list of questions in order to do assess whether or not it is time for you and your family to consider utilizing the services of a GCM.  If you feel that this might be something you and your family could benefit from, please do not hesitate to contact me and we can either work directly together, or I can help you find a provider in your area or the area where the older adult is living. (if you find yourself having questions while reading this also feel free to contact me and I will do my best to answer your questions-- my email address is thrivegcm@gmail.com) 

→Is your family feeling overwhelmed by the needs of your loved one?

→Are you feeling stressed and unsure of what to do to help take care of your loved one?

→Are you confused about the options to help your loved one?

→Are you no longer able to continue caring for your loved one?

→ Are you concerned about a change in condition of your loved one?

Answering yes to any or all of these questions can indicate that it might be time to at least consult with, if not hire, a Geriatric Care Manager

How do Geriatric Care Managers like Thrive help Seniors and Their Families?,

I recognize that each older adult is unique, thus has unique complexities which require a custom approach and care plan.

As the Geriatric Care Manager I will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the older needs and safety concerns. From the results of this assessment I will create a custom care plan which is designed to improve the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health while maximizing their independence and ensuring their safety. With the assessment I've developed, I go further than the typical assessment in that I also discuss and explore any spiritual beliefs or traditions to which they subscribe. I find that spirituality can be a vital component to our health, if one so believes, and I appreciate the value of that in my work.

From there I can further assist the senior and their family by assisting them to implement the care plan. Appropriate referrals are made to physicians, attorneys, home health agencies, care companion agencies, senior living facilities, day care programs and hospice organizations.

With the nature of my work and how the situations in which my clients find themselves can change without notice, I am able to visit clients if they are hospitalized, placed in a senior living facility and can oversee and further support their continued care. Through phone calls, videoconferencing and/or emails I am able to update the family of the older adult and keep them updated on the coordination of services.

If needed I am also able to facilitate family meetings in a safe, knowledgeable and neutral manner.

What makes a Geriatric Care Manager Worthwhile when it is an Out-of-Pocket Expense?

→ I have more time to spend on my individual clients which makes it possible for me to discover missed or hidden issues or potential hazards at home. Doing in-home assessments, I am able to see various issues which may be hidden or kept from doctors while in the office.

→It is not only possible, but likely, for my clients and their families to experience an increase in quality of life. Lowered stress levels and more of an ability to relax are commonplace due to knowing your older adult is adequately being cared for.

→As a result of the trust-filled relationships I develop with each of my clients, my clients experience a reduced risk of falls, medication errors, becoming victim of fraud or elder abuse.

→If the family members are not local to their loved one I am able to keep them apprised of the situation.

→As a result of cutting down on any duplication of services, unnecessary appointments and office visits, it is possible to save money by employing a Geriatric Care Manager.

→Consistant treatment and service coordination is provided, thus I am able to continue working with my clients no matter what level of care is being utilized (meaning I am able to work with clients when they are placed in facilities, or acutely in the hospital having something treated.

→Geriatric Care Managers are enlisted to handle crises, help solve problems and assist with decision making, children can continue being the children instead of the all too common and uncomfortable role reversal that often occurs during the aging process.