Care Management
Geriatric Care Managers, also known as Care Consultants or Elder Care Managers are professionals who specialize in working with seniors and their families to coordinate their care needs. A Geriatric Care Manager may be a nurse, social worker, counselor, psychologist or gerontologist who has training and experience specifically in working with older people.
What Can A Pathfinder Geriatric Care Manager Do?
Geriatric Care Managers offer a large variety of services to assist older people and their families in meeting their care needs. Geriatric Care Managers can help with short term projects or be involved in a more on-going relationship.
Geriatric Care Managers can:
- Assess current strengths and potential needs to determine what, if any, assistance is needed to help the senior live as independently as possible
- Research and arrange community resources, such as home management or home health care services, transportation or meal services
- Review financial and legal issues and offer referrals to specialists in estate planning, asset conservation, elder law and related professions
- Assist with finding and moving to alternative senior housing such as assisted living or long term care facilities
- Act as a liaison for out-of-town family members, keeping them up-to-date on the senior's status
- Facilitate communication between doctors and other health care providers to ensure continuity of care and full understanding of the caregiver
- Assist with organization and submission of health insurance claims and medical bills
- Act as an advocate for the senior, especially those residing in long term care facilities
- Offer counseling and support for both seniors and caregivers
Geriatric Care Managers are highly knowledgeable of the issues specifically facing seniors and their caregivers, and are experienced in accessing and using resources efficiently. Working with a Geriatric Care Manager can be the key to remaining as independent as possible for as long as possible
For further information about Geriatric Care Management, call us at 612-729-9096, or visit the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers site at www.caremanager.org.
