What Is Geriatric Care Management? |
Posted: August 2, 2021 |
Whether you are an older adult or a family caregiver, the decisions which need to make surrounding aging safely, comfortably and healthily after often overwhelming. What are the best options for housing available? How are you able to create a health care proxy? Can you use life insurance to fund longer term care? A geriatric care manager can be a great go-to resource to help you to answer these questions and improve the life of you and your loved ones. A geriatric care manager is a professional who specializes in the field of geriatrics, which is the field of older adults and aging. According to the National Institute on Aging, they are usually a licensed social worker or nurse who acts as a kind of “professional relative”, helping you and your family identify the needs of the older person, and make solutions to make life easier. Geriatric care manager might have a background in one or more different areas, including social work, nursing, or psychology. Although those who work in geriatric care management aren’t required to be licensed, it is a good idea to look for an individual who has certification from either the National Academy of Certified Care Managers, the National Association of Social Workers, or the Commission for Case Managers. What does a geriatric care manager do?According to the ALCA, aging life care management provides holistic, client-centered approaches to caring for the elderly and others facing health challenges. They have a number of duties, but one of their main duties is the advocacy of older adults. If you are a caregiver for someone who has a physical or development disability, mental health problems, cognitive impairment such as a brain injury of Alzheimer’s, or another chronic illness, it might be worth contacting a geriatric care manager. They can be especially useful if you are providing care from distance. An aging life care manager who lives in the same area as your relative can help you to coordinate care, give you regular updates on their condition, and they can even attend medical appointments with them. How much does it cost?Geriatric care managers are available for hire for single consultations, or for as much help as required, usually at hourly rates. Unfortunately, Medicaid and Medicare do not cover geriatric care management, and the majority of health insurances don’t either. Some long-term care insurance policies might cover some of the cost. Check with your insurance provider so that you are sure. The cost of geriatric care managers varies massively. Hourly rates range from anything from $50 to $200. When can I find a geriatric care manager?TO find geriatric care management options near you, you can search the ACLA website, connection with local support groups to solicit recommendations, or search the US Department of Health and Human Services Eldercare Locator. What qualifications should you look for in an geriatric care manager? Not all people working in the field of geriatric care management are equal. What sets them apart from self-proclaimed ones are good credentials, high levels of education, experience in a healthcare related field, memberships in professional associations, and a certificate in the field of care management. Why is it vital that a geriatric care manager have a membership to Aging Life Geriatric Care Managers and have a certificate of Care Management? Care Management is a somewhat new branch of health care, therefore it is not quite as regulated as other health professions, such as nursing. Being a member of ALCM is a way of regulating and government the industry. Each member upholds strict standards of practice and holds a code of ethics. Obtaining a certification in Care Management shows those who wish to hire a geriatric care manager that the person who holds the certificate has taken time to expand their knowledge of the field that they work in. Why should a family member hire a geriatric care manager?They help streamline complicated and confusing processes involves in the managing of health care related problems. They are familiar with local community resources and know the services required and the cost of these services. With the geriatric care manager being involved in your care and treatment, expensive crises can be reduced and even avoided. What is the most important job of a geriatric care manager?The most important job of a geriatric care manager is in making sure that the needs of the elderly person are met in the least restrictive way possible, without sacrificing their dignity, quality of life or respect.
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