Geriatric Care Managers

Article submitted by Kathy Seeman, RN, BSN, founder and president of Geriatric Care Management Services, Inc.
For more information, they can be reached at 412-491-2601.

There are numerous transitions associated with aging and those changes can be challenging and even overwhelming to older persons and to those who love and care for them. Fortunately, there is a new breed of professional, the geriatric care manager, whose role is to assist older adults, their families, physicians and others as they confront the physical, emotional and social dimensions of aging.

While the majority of geriatric care managers are social workers, many are also nurses who have clinical experience in geriatrics and home care. Geriatric care managers provide a full range of services, which include conducting a needs assessment, developing a plan of care, implementing the plan and monitoring client well being. They also identify community resources and coordinate services for clients.

A geriatric care manager also provides help with the critical decision-making required as a client ages. For families, this experience can be emotionally difficult, and having an objective, knowledgeable and professional advisor can be a godsend. Care managers have expertise in helping families assess the client's quality of life and safety and can help with often-painful decisions about placement. As an alternative, they can arrange for support services that will enable a client to remain in his or her own home.

Many older persons, with complex medical needs requiring multiple medications and specialists, need assistance to navigate the healthcare and eldercare systems. By collaborating closely with the client and physicians, care managers can streamline care, identify resources and ease the stress. They can offer assistance with legal and financial matters and offer emotional support and counseling to clients and even to the family members.

Elder law attorneys and trust officers often engage the services of geriatric care managers to help them assess and monitor older persons who are their clients. Care managers can detect changes and early signs of problems and bring them to the attention of the attorney or trust officer so that appropriate interventions can take place.

These days, it is not uncommon for family members to live out of state, and trying to manage the care of a parent or family member from a distance can create frustration and anxiety. A care manager can act as the family's eyes and ears, monitoring the loved one's well being, overseeing their care and keeping the family informed.

A geriatric care manager can be a lifeline for older persons, acting as advocates and expert advisors and offering a nexus of support. Utilization of geriatric care managers is a growing trend that many families, attorneys, physicians and trust officers are relying upon to assure the safety and well being of older adults.