Geriatric Care Management
What does a Geriatric Care Manager do?
Geriatric Care Managers (GCM) are usually licensed professionals, primarily social workers, counselors, and nurses, who have extensive training and experience working with individuals and their families who need assistance with caregiving issues. Care managers have experience, industry contacts, and knowledge of public and private services in their community, along with being thoughtful listeners and creative problem solvers.
Who benefits from a Geriatric Care Manager?
Overwhelmed or Long-Distance Families
Families who live a distance away or are overwhelmed with business or family responsibilities rely on a Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) to provide a trusted link to their elderly parents or relatives. A GCM has the skills needed to develop a rapport with difficult individuals who may initially resist outside help. ElderCare Connections will be able to suggest several different approaches to overcoming the older adult’s objections while promoting self-determination and safety.
Older Adults Living Alone
Older adults who live alone or with a physically or mentally impaired spouse, child, or significant other utilize the services of a GCM who provides professional guidance to establish and implement safe and appropriate care plans.
Healthcare Professionals
Physicians and other healthcare professionals welcome the specialized individual services that a GCM can offer to older adults and families as a means to prevent clinical crises and avoid unnecessary hospitalizations.
Attorneys and Financial Advisors
Attorneys may use the services of a GCM for a professional assessment of a complex situation in either the home, an assisted living community, or nursing home setting. Banks and trust officers, accountants, and other financial advisors find that a GCM plays a key part in a professional assessment to assure the provision of well-targeted, cost effective care for older adults.
Employee Assistance Programs
Employee Assistance Programs benefit from the services of a GCM for their employees who are experiencing stress or diminished performance at work and at home as the result of concern or caring for an older adult, disabled parent, spouse, or relative.