About Geriatric Care
Services range from a one-time consultation to create an action plan, to ongoing care management for the elderly individual. Out of state and out of town referrals to care managers is available.
Interpretation and support in decision-making for daily and/or critical issues. Communication with family regarding the needs of the elderly individual. Other services as requested tailored to meet specific needs of the individual and family. Services are billed at an hourly rate, and may be covered by your long-term care insurance policy.
The Role of a Care Manager
A geriatric care manager can...
- Be an unbiased professional who assists elderly persons and their families to coordinate home care, residential care, and alternative care.
- Serve as an advocate, a consultant, an advisor, a mediator, a problem solver and support for the entire family.
- Support the family through a particular crisis, or be a continuing presence in the absence of family.
The Process
- Determining frequency of visits
- The elderly family member, along with the family, determines what ongoing services will be provided by the care manager.
- Initial assessment: A comprehensive process to evaluate and establish the physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual and legal needs of the family. Together we evaluate the goals of the entire family and determine what is needed, or will be needed, by the elderly individual. We create an individualized care plan that serves as a map so that we can support the individual through all phases of life.
- Ongoing care management: For families who need support, and for those who do not have family members available to monitor any change in needs.
- In-home evaluation: At determined intervals, to determine significant changes in the overall status, safety, and independence of the individual(s).
- Visits at care facilities: To determine if services are adequate for the needs of the individual, and to advocate appropriately for needed services.
- Feedback and support: For family members going through emotionally difficult situations and role changes.
- Referrals: According to personal need — medical, legal, financial, psychological, spiritual and social services.