Care Management: A Solution for Baby Boomers and Their Parents

Article submitted by Dianne Boazman, LCSW, CMC and Betty Landreaux, LCSW, CMC, co-owners of Care Management Solutions and Home Care Solutions in Metairie, Louisiana.
For more information, they can be reached at 504-837-5801.

"I live out of town, and I worry about the safety of my aging mother who lives alone."

"My father is confused and cannot manage like he used to, but he will not allow me to help him."

"I do not want my mother to end up in a nursing home, but I am a busy professional and do not know what else to do."

Care Managers can help ease the burden of elder care decisions.

Who are Care Managers?

A Care Manager is a professional such as a social worker, counselor, nurse or gerontologist who has extensive knowledge about the costs, quality and availability of resources in their community. They specialize in assisting older or disabled clients and help families navigate through the maze of medical, financial and long-term care options.

Many Care Managers are members of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers or other professional associations. It is important to choose a Care Manager who is certified or licensed in his or her professional field.

How Can a Care Manager Help You?

A Care Manager may...

• Conduct a thorough assessment to identify problems and provide solutions - evaluating the person's physical and mental status, social situation and daily activity needs.
• Make recommendations for care options and available services.
• Screen, arrange and monitor in-home help or other community services.
• Act as a liaison to families at a distance, overseeing care and quickly alerting families to problems.
• Assist with moving an older person to or from a retirement complex, assisted living or nursing home facility.
• Review financial, legal, or medical issues and offer referrals to geriatric specialists.

Some Care Manager also provide...

• bill-paying services
• tutorship and guardianship services
• sitter/companion services at home

How will you benefit from Care Management services?

Care Managers provide personalized and compassionate services tailored to the individual's unique situation. Their goal is to maintain the well being and dignity of elderly or disabled family members, while considering the family's needs and resources.