I Have a Question …………..
What is a Geriatric Care Manager?
A Geriatric Care Manager is a professional who is trained in identifying and addressing an individual’s medical, personal, safety, cognitive, placement, and socialization needs as well as monitoring the services that meet those needs. Care managers coordinate with doctors, family members, lawyers, conservators and trustees, home health agencies, and other members of an older adult’s support network in an effort to provide appropriate and effective care for individuals.
Who Uses Care Management Services?
Seniors who wish to remain at home, despite an increase in their needs, long distance family who wish to stay involved with their loved one; doctors who need their patients to follow complex medical instructions at home; and professionals such as attorneys, trustees, and care facility staff, all utilize the services of and depend on Care Managers.
Do I Really Need a Professional Geriatric Care Manager?
When you are considering to engage the services of a Geriatric Care Manager, take time to consider whether you have the time, skills, and/or desire to manage the challenges of long-term care for your senior. With the understanding that you will need to be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for months and perhaps, years, it is important, at a minimum, to enlist the support of several other family members for scheduled days of respite and for personal appointments. Other questions that you may wish to consider:
- Are my loved one’s needs becoming larger and more complex than I can comfortably manage?
- Are other demands and responsibilities in my life now so great that I cannot provide an adequate level of supervision and attention to my loved one’s concerns?
What are the Benefits of Using a Geriatric Care Manager?
Professional Geriatric Care Management and Guardianship services are offered in a variety of settings. Geriatric Care Managers can serve the needs of their clients with the following services:
- Personalized and compassionate service — focusing on the individual’s wants and needs.
- Accessibility — care is typically available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Continuity of care management — communications are coordinated between family members, doctors and other professionals, and service providers.
- Cost containment — inappropriate placements, duplication of services, and unnecessary hospitalizations are avoided.
- Quality control — SeniorCare employees belong to and adhere to the National Guardianship Association’s Standards of Practice and Ethical Standards. Care Managers are accountable to the same ethical standards of behavior.
Are private care management services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance?
No. Currently, care management fees are typically paid by the older adult, family members, or other parties. Some long-term-care insurance policies cover now care management services, however, it is very important to read “the small print” in your policy when planning for Care Management services.
How can professional Care Managers help save me money?
Care Managers can help you save money in several ways. First, they can help to plan effectively for the future and assist in avoiding a crisis. Second, care managers can often arrange for services to be delivered in an older adult’s home rather than requiring a costly move to a retirement or nursing facility. Third, because care managers are aware of both the needs of older adults and the available resources, they can be efficient in matching service needs with appropriate community agencies.
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SeniorCare, LLC PO Box 38422 Colorado Springs, CO 80937
(719) 440-3426 fax (719) 635-2857 seniorcarellc@gmail.com