Professional Geriatric Care Management Services
A Geriatric Care Manager is a specialist who helps those who are assisting in caring for older adults.The Geriatric Care Manager assists older individuals and persons with disabilities in attaining their maximum functional potential. In addition, the Geriatric Care Manager is an experienced guide and resource for families of older adults and others with chronic health challenges. There are several primary ways in which a Care Manager can provide the necessary support and assistance to both the elderly and the people assisting them to assure that their needs optimally are met.
Consultation: Sometimes a one time consultation with a care manager to assist in understanding the challenges experienced by the older adult, as well as provide education and guidance in navigating the complicated health care support systems. This meeting will provide recommendations as to how best to meet the individual's current and future needs.
On-going Care: Following the initial development of the individualized plan of care the care manager can serve as the manager of the plan that is agreed upon by the older adult and the people who are involved in their care. This management can take many forms and can include:
In-Home Assessment: An in-home assessment is often a component of a short term consultation and is always a necessary component of an on-going care plan. Making a home assessment provides the opportunity to complete a thorough evaluation of both the client's abilities and the potential for them to safely manage within their own specific home environment. This detailed assessment allows the care manager to develop a comprehensive plan of care from which decisions can be made by the client and caregivers on how best to meet their current needs as well as a roadmap to allow for future planning.
Fees: Care Management services are primarily provided on a private-pay basis. Generally these services are not covered by health insurance plans though are sometimes reimbursable through some long-term care insurance plans. Consultation with your insurance agent should be able to provide your specific coverages for these services.
A Geriatric Care Manager is a specialist who helps those who are assisting in caring for older adults.The Geriatric Care Manager assists older individuals and persons with disabilities in attaining their maximum functional potential. In addition, the Geriatric Care Manager is an experienced guide and resource for families of older adults and others with chronic health challenges. There are several primary ways in which a Care Manager can provide the necessary support and assistance to both the elderly and the people assisting them to assure that their needs optimally are met.
Consultation: Sometimes a one time consultation with a care manager to assist in understanding the challenges experienced by the older adult, as well as provide education and guidance in navigating the complicated health care support systems. This meeting will provide recommendations as to how best to meet the individual's current and future needs.
On-going Care: Following the initial development of the individualized plan of care the care manager can serve as the manager of the plan that is agreed upon by the older adult and the people who are involved in their care. This management can take many forms and can include:
- Screen, arrange, and monitor in-home help or other services, including assistance in hiring a qualified caregiver for home care.
- Provide short- or long-term eldercare assistance for those engaged in local or long distance caregiving.
- Review financial, legal, or medical issues and offer referrals to geriatric specialists.
- Provide crisis intervention.
- Act as a liaison to families at a distance, overseeing care, and quickly alerting families to problems – especially important when families are engaged in long distance caregiving for a loved one.
- Assist with moving an older person to or from a retirement complex, assisted care home, or nursing home.
- Provide consumer education and advocacy.
- Offer eldercare counseling and support. From www.caremanger.org
In-Home Assessment: An in-home assessment is often a component of a short term consultation and is always a necessary component of an on-going care plan. Making a home assessment provides the opportunity to complete a thorough evaluation of both the client's abilities and the potential for them to safely manage within their own specific home environment. This detailed assessment allows the care manager to develop a comprehensive plan of care from which decisions can be made by the client and caregivers on how best to meet their current needs as well as a roadmap to allow for future planning.
Fees: Care Management services are primarily provided on a private-pay basis. Generally these services are not covered by health insurance plans though are sometimes reimbursable through some long-term care insurance plans. Consultation with your insurance agent should be able to provide your specific coverages for these services.
