As I work with seniors, I listen. From them, I learn that most seniors actually have a pretty good understanding of their own limitations. They also have a fear of the unknown, and of losing their independence.
They feel better when they see that making well-informed decisions now can put them in a position of maintaining their independence and sometimes even improving their lifestyle. As a Senior Care Consultant, I work in geriatric care management and help seniors and their families make thoughtful decisions.
The best way to work with a geriatric care manager is to be open and honest about your health issues, support system, financial ability, interests and long-range plans. By taking all these points into consideration, we can balance your desire to stay close to family with your need for a bit of assistance and your interest in being part of a community, for example.
People often feel overwhelmed by their options, indecisive because they don’t know exactly what’s available or even doubtful that there’s help for their particular needs. Having a resource that understands the groundwork and can assist in developing plans and options will make everyone involved a little more comfortable. In my senior consulting practice, I often act as a liaison between other professionals and family support systems that are unavailable because of work or family commitments or location.
Most geriatric care managers have extensive experience with rehabilitation and health care facilities in the area, along with independent living and other senior housing arrangements. They often have experience with MaineCare and Medicare paperwork, long term care insurance forms and sometimes veteran’s benefits, and often work with elder law attorneys. Their daily experience with different housing arrangements and living styles for seniors means they’ll have a good understanding of what will work best for your particular lifestyle, needs and desires.
A good geriatric care manager will be an advocate for you. He or she will really get to know what you want as you develop plans for meeting any needs. Sometimes that might be finding home-based care or companionship; sometimes it’s helping you transition into independent living. Often, they can handle daunting tasks like helping you put your house on the market, sorting out paperwork, or organizing the move to your new place.
Of course, sometimes the honesty about health issues includes recognition of advancing dementia or physical impairment. Geriatric specialists have the knowledge and experience to work with your medical team to find the most independent, supportive and trustworthy environment for your continued care.
Lynn Peel, Beach Glass Transitions