Geriatric care managers are hired to help families assess and manage the needs of an elderly loved one. They typically have extensive training in care management fields, such as nursing, social work, gerontology, counseling or psychology; many have advanced degrees in these areas. One of their most important roles is providing a trained eye for those struggling with decisions about a move to senior living. They can serve as a family guide and advocate and provide an often-needed impartial voice.
Consider these four reasons why you might benefit from the services of a geriatric care manager:
1. Geographical constraints
This is one of the top reasons for utilizing such services. Maybe you live in Michigan, and mom lives inTennessee. You’re concerned about her increasing frailty and she tells you she’s lonesome when you call her each week. Unfortunately, you have no relatives in Tennessee and don’t know which senior living communities would be the best choice for her. A geriatric care manager will assess your mom’s situation and needs, look for the right community, and help make the move as smooth and stress-free as possible. Some assist with decisions about what items to take to the senior living residence and what items to discard or donate.
2. Family disagreements
If you and your sibling or other family member can’t agree on what would be best for dad, believe me, you’re not the only family to face this challenge. You believe dad needs to move soon; your brother says dad seems fine when he (infrequently) visits; and your aunt is worried about whether your dad will be able to adjust to life in a senior community. A geriatric care manager can provide an objective, professional voice and help create consensus among family members.
3. Decision paralysis
Moving to a senior living community is a great choice for many seniors. Unfortunately, family members can become overwhelmed trying to decide if and when it’s the right choice for their loved one. Maybe mom’s clothes aren’t as clean as they used to be, or she doesn’t want to cook dinner anymore. You’re not sure if this means she should move to a senior living residence, but you’re increasingly worried about her living alone. Here’s where a one-time geriatric care consultation might be of assistance. The care manager will come to mom’s home, meet and talk with her, take a look at the living situation, and offer an experienced analysis of what’s going on and what next steps you should consider.
4. Time and energy limitations
Many caregivers today are part of the so-called “sandwich generation,” a term developed to describe those who care for aging parents and their own children. The Pew Research Center estimates that over one in every eight Americans aged 40 to 60 years is raising a child and caring for a parent; the typical such “sandwich” caregiver is a female in her 40s with a job and children. Sometimes, these family caregivers just don’t have the time and energy needed to do a great job looking after mom or dad and helping with transitions such as a move to senior living. If this situation sounds familiar, then consider the services of a geriatric care manager, who can provide you with a professional care plan and a long-term strategy for mom’s care.
The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM) is one resource for investigating these services and/or finding a good care manager for your loved one. What challenges have you faced in caring for your loved one?
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