Why You Should Hire a Geriatric Care Manager
Geriatric Care Managers are a gift. Whether you live with your loved one or are hundreds of miles away, a GCM can be a very valuable asset.
What is a Geriatric Care Manager?
A GCM is like a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to senior care. They are health care professionals from various backgrounds, specializing in senior care. A manager will help you assess your loved ones situation, navigate health care, and coordinate necessary services.
Why You Should Hire a Geriatric Care Manager
There are several reasons hiring a GCM is a good idea. Here are just a few of the roles a GCM will fill for you:
Navigator
Filling out all the paperwork, making difficult decisions, and dealing with all the emotions can be very overwhelming. A geriatric care manager can help relieve that stress. They can observe and asses what steps need to be taken, and walk you through each of them.
Coordinator
Doctor appointments and medications can be complicated to keep track of. With a manager, you won’t have to worry about those things. A GCM will also coordinate household services such as housekeeping and lawn care.
Advocate
If your loved one is living in a care community of some kind, a manager can make sure his or her needs are being met. They will frequently stop in and check on your loved one so you can rest assured that all is well.
Communicator
A GCM is a voice for your loved one. They will keep you up to date and in the know. This is especially important for those dealing with memory loss.
Confidant
It can sometimes be uncomfortable for a senior to fully confide in a family member. A manager can be that confidant your loved one can trust with details he or she may be afraid to share with you. This will allow the manager to make the best decisions regarding services and care.
Conclusion
Having an elderly loved one in need of care can be difficult and a little scary. A geriatric care manager may be just what you and your loved one need to navigate this uncharted territory. They are a gift worth investing in.
Additional Reading:
Why Hire a Geriatric Care Manager? by June Gross