Help for the Helper – When Love is Not Enough

Article submitted by The Geriatric Care Managers at Collat Jewish Family Services.
For more information, they can be reached at 205-879-3438, or by e-mail: jfs@cjfsbham.org.

Providing care for an elderly relative can be overwhelming. There may be times when it is difficult to know just what to do and where to turn.

How much care does my family member really need? Are my parents getting the proper medical attention? How can I find in-home help? How can I make sure that who I hire is doing what they are supposed to be doing? How can I monitor my parent's care when I live in another city? When should I consider placing my loved one in an Assisted Care Facility and how do I choose one? My parent lives alone and needs help with meals and grocery shopping and someone to just stop in and visit.

These are just a few of the questions and dilemmas that many caregivers and their elderly relatives face. A Geriatric Care Manager can provide many of the answers. They will begin by doing a thorough assessment to assure that all physical, mental, emotional and environmental needs are addressed. Most importantly the desires of the elderly person are taken into account when making recommendations for care. A Care Plan is developed to bridge the gap between family and community resources and the needs of the elderly client. The primary goal is to ensure the safety, welfare and dignity of the elder person, while providing peace of mind and support to the caregiver. Geriatric Care Managers provide guidance, coordination, monitoring and referrals for additional services to ensure that the personal needs of your family member are met.

When hiring a Geriatric Care Manager, research professional credentials, references, liability insurance and experience. Pay special attention to the Care Manager's ability to communicate and form a relationship with you and your family member. Geriatric Care Managers may be employed by a non-profit agency or may be self-employed. Non-profit agencies offer these services on a sliding scale based on income. Private Geriatric Care Managers set their own fees for services. Medicare may cover some services offered. Services may include the following components:

Assessments
An evaluation of the older person in their present environment will include their functional abilities, medical condition, mental status, family involvement and financial resources.

• The wishes, values and preferred environment of the older adult should be part of the recommendation.
• The ability to live alone will be evaluated and resources may be offered that enable the older adult to stay at home as long as possible.

Care Planning
After assessing the needs, the financial and community resources available and the family involvement, a variety of options will be presented, along with a cost analysis of each one.

• You will be informed of all available resources, facilities and programs and offered a care plan that best fits your needs. The older adult will be included in the decision-making process as much as possible.

Care Management
After developing the best possible care plan to meet the specific needs of the older person and the family, the Geriatric Care Manager will assure that the care plan is put into place.

• The individual's health and safety will continue to be monitored, and medical attention coordinated when needed.
• Geriatric Care Managers can assist with routine services, including bill paying, transportation needs, coordination of in-home and medical care and medical claims filing. Many out-of-town families utilize these services to assume some of the responsibilities that they would have if they were available, such as escorting the older person to medical appointments, monitoring their care and ensuring their emotional and physical well-being. Counseling and volunteer support is provided to maximize quality of life. Families are kept apprised of their loved ones' status through written monthly care management updates.

The Geriatric Care Managers at Collat Jewish Family Services are dedicated to helping all people in our community lead independent, fulfilling lives. All CJFS Geriatric Care Managers are licensed professional social workers with extensive experience working with the elderly and their families. They are knowledgeable about community resources and committed to providing compassionate and professional assistance to help seniors and their families determine the best choices for their safety, welfare and quality of life. Monthly Caregiver Support Groups are offered for family members. For a complimentary assessment contact us by calling 205-879-3438 or email at jfs@cjfsbham.org. To learn more about our services check out our website at www.cjfsbham.org

 Remember, grief is unpredictable and spiral, not time orientated or linear.