Family care providers know that navigating the journey of locating appropriate care resources for an older adult can feel like attempting to cross the ocean in a rowboat – blindfolded, and blindsided by the buffeting surf and winds. The prospect of arriving safely to your destination is pretty slim without the appropriate tools, and an expert to assist you in the best way to utilize them.
That is where a geriatric care manager (also referred to as an aging life care professional) can step in and save the day. Geriatric care managers are experts in the various intricacies of the aging process, available resources, resolution of issues pertaining to family dynamics, and much more.
Available for short-term consultations up through and including full-time help and support, there are several key instances when a geriatric care manager is particularly helpful:
- Long distance separates both you and your senior loved one. Living in Washington while your aging parents are in Illinois, even with today’s technology, makes it hard to be certain they are safe and well. A geriatric care manager can offer supervision of care, frequent visitations, and help with decision-making.
- A difficult behavioral issue is at play. When an older adult is challenged by dementia or any other diagnosis that triggers behavioral concerns, a geriatric care manager can be a fundamental part of the senior’s care team, providing details on appropriate specialists and helping to find a remedy to overcome troubling behaviors, such as aggression, wandering, or sundowning.
- The senior will not open up about health concerns. Older adults frequently want to prevent their children from added worry, and as a result, withhold important health information – but are frequently open to talking with an experienced geriatric care manager about their concerns.
- There are living condition concerns. For instance, if a senior loved one resides in an assisted living community that will not allow you to hire a private caregiver when additional help becomes necessary, a geriatric care manager will have detailed information regarding both the community itself and your state’s relevant laws, and will help mediate a resolution.
- You are just at a loss. Figuring out the best care solution for a loved one could be challenging, and it’s common for family members to feel uncertain about what the best solution will be. A geriatric care manager can provide you with what your choices are, and what the advantages and disadvantages may be for every option.
If you’re interested in locating a geriatric care manager to help improve care for a senior loved one, reach out to Independence-4-Seniors Home Care, the Hinsdale home care experts, at (630) 323-4665.