Geriatric Care Managers And Their Role in Assisting Older Adults and Their Families
As people age, they often require more care and attention, which can put a strain on their families. This is where a geriatric care manager (GCM) comes in. A GCM is a professional who specializes in helping older adults and their families navigate the complex healthcare system and ensure that they receive the care and support they need.
What is a geriatric care manager?
A geriatric care manager is a healthcare professional who specializes in assisting older adults and their families with managing their healthcare needs. They are typically trained in nursing, social work, or gerontology and have extensive knowledge of the healthcare system, available resources, and community services.
Geriatric care managers provide a variety of services, including:
- Assessment: Geriatric care managers can evaluate the needs of older adults and their families and develop a care plan that meets their specific needs.
- Care coordination: They can coordinate and manage healthcare services, including doctors’ appointments, medication management, and home health care.
- Counseling: They can provide emotional support and guidance to older adults and their families as they navigate the challenges of aging.
- Advocacy: They can act as advocates for older adults and their families and help them navigate the healthcare system to ensure that they receive the care and support they need.
- Education: They can provide education and resources to older adults and their families about healthcare options, financial planning, and other issues related to aging.
How can a geriatric care manager help me and my family?
Geriatric care managers can provide a variety of services that can help older adults and their families. Some ways a geriatric care manager can help include:
- Assessing needs: A geriatric care manager can assess the needs of older adults and their families and develop a care plan that meets their specific needs. This can help ensure that older adults receive the care and support they need, while also relieving some of the burden on their families.
- Coordinating care: Geriatric care managers can help coordinate and manage healthcare services, including doctors’ appointments, medication management, and home health care. This can help ensure that older adults receive the care they need, while also reducing the risk of medical errors and other problems.
- Providing guidance and support: Geriatric care managers can provide emotional support and guidance to older adults and their families as they navigate the challenges of aging. This can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
- Advocating for older adults: Geriatric care managers can act as advocates for older adults and their families and help them navigate the healthcare system to ensure that they receive the care and support they need. This can help ensure that older adults receive the best possible care and support.
- Providing education and resources: Geriatric care managers can provide education and resources to older adults and their families about healthcare options, financial planning, and other issues related to aging. This can help older adults and their families make informed decisions about their healthcare and other important issues.
In conclusion, a geriatric care manager can be a valuable resource for older adults and their families. They can provide a wide range of services that can help ensure that older adults receive the care and support they need, while also reducing the burden on their families. If you or a loved one is in need of assistance with managing healthcare needs, consider contacting our private duty care team to see how we can help.