Many family caregivers find a geriatric care manager who provides the assistance they need to help their loved ones. Geriatric care management services involve the care coordination of medical services for seniors. Most geriatric care managers work in a facility, such as a nursing home or hospital. However, geriatric care management can be one of the most valuable resources for family caregivers.
A Geriatric Care Manager is also called a case manager, service coordinator, or elder care manager. They have a vast number of responsibilities to help seniors live independently. The Geriatric Care Manager works closely with older adults and ensures they can access needed services.
They may assist with daily tasks like:
Care managers often work in group homes, assisted-living facilities, nursing homes, and retirement communities.
Suppose the care recipient cannot take of themselves safely, has dementia, or lacks mobility. In that case, they may need long-term care beyond what a family caregiver can safely provide. A geriatric care manager can fulfill other responsibilities and advocate for the care recipient.
Besides helping with physical needs like food and hygiene, a geriatric care manager will coordinate with nurses, doctors, and other healthcare providers to provide quality medical care for seniors in their care. They address medical and emotional concerns and evaluate the senior's living situation. Additionally, they develop long and short-term care plans.
Family caregivers with loved ones with long-term illness, dementia, or Alzheimer's find geriatric care management one of the best resources for family caregivers. Having a licensed full-time professional available to assist in caring for a loved one can be invaluable. For caregivers who live far away, the additional help means knowing their loved one will be well-taken care of in their absence.
Some other key responsibilities of a geriatric care manager include the following:
A care manager will develop a strong relationship with the seniors in their care. Acting as advocates, they will look out for the patient's needs and ensure they have what they need to thrive.
The average cost of a geriatric manager varies greatly depending on where you live, full-time versus part-time responsibilities, and their education, certifications, skills, and years of experience.
The cost of an initial assessment generally ranges from about $800 to $2,000. Ongoing services range from $90 to $250 per hour. Additionally, some geriatric care managers may charge for mileage and travel time.
Unfortunately, Medicare and Medicaid do not cover the costs of geriatric care management. Long-term care insurance may cover some costs, but most private insurance policies do not.
Some employee assistance programs may cover geriatric care fees because this service can help family caregivers focus on their paying jobs and miss less work time.
Many family caregivers find that the geriatric care manager saves money in the long run by recommending services and care that best fit the care recipient'srecipient's physical needs. If their loved one lives in a skilled nursing facility, a geriatric care manager may be part of the team taking care of their loved one's treatment plan.
Many care professionals have been nurses, social workers, and caregivers for much of their careers. They may have certifications and are licensed to practice. Because they have worked with the elderly for a long time, they have the knowledge, experience, and connections to help a family manage the difficult job of managing the care recipient's medical, financial, and physical needs.
Suppose a family member lives in a skilled nursing or assisted living facility. In that case, a trained geriatric care manager may be part of the staff. They will be available to help family caregivers with any needs or professional advice.
Many family caregivers live far away from their loved ones. Organizing medical care from far away can add emotional stress. Assessing and monitoring your relative's overall health and medical treatment can be nearly impossible. A care manager coordinates all the care recipient's needs, like transportation to medical visits, reviewing financial and legal matters, and overseeing a move to a skilled nursing facility. For this reason, many family members rest easy knowing that their loved one is left in good care.
When you meet with the geriatric care manager, you want to ask them detailed questions about the care recipient's overall care. Some key questions to ask include:
Always check the care manager's references and qualifications, especially if a family caregiver is interviewing remotely or the person has a private agency.
When you want the best for your loved one, geriatric care management provides the treatment services and assessment you need. They can care for your relative with much-needed monitoring and treatment so your family member can have the best quality of life.
You can contact the Eldercare Locator for recommendations to find a care manager near your family member's home.
