When it comes to ensuring the best care for someone you love, emotions can run high. It’s natural for family members to have strong opinions about what’s best for an aging loved one, but these opinions don’t always align. Tensions can arise, leaving families working against each other instead of together. In these situations, enlisting the help of a geriatric care manager (GCM) can make all the difference.
Geriatric care managers, also known as aging life care professionals, are experts in assessing the needs of older adults and guiding families through the complexities of long-term care. They’re often nurses or social workers with extensive experience navigating the senior care landscape. More than just a resource, they act as neutral third parties who mediate family conflicts, create actionable care plans, and so much more.
Why a Geriatric Care Manager Is Your Ally
Think of a geriatric care manager as a “professional family member.” With deep knowledge of the resources available to older adults and their families, GCMs offer solutions to even the most challenging care scenarios. Whether you’re struggling with sibling disagreements, trying to coordinate care from a distance, or simply feeling overwhelmed, a GCM can step in to help with:
- Facilitating difficult conversations and resolving family conflicts.
- Addressing the emotional needs of both the older adult and their family members.
- Collaborating with medical professionals to align care goals.
- Conducting home visits to assess care needs and recommend services.
- Developing short- and long-term care plans that prioritize safety and quality of life.
- Providing much-needed relief to family caregivers feeling stretched thin.
Questions to Ask a Geriatric Care Manager
Not all geriatric care managers offer the same level of expertise or services, so it’s essential to choose the right one for your family. When interviewing potential GCMs, consider asking the following questions:
- Are you licensed and certified as a geriatric care manager?
- How many years of experience do you have working with families in senior care?
- What is your approach to resolving family disagreements?
- How do you handle after-hours emergencies?
- Can you provide references from families you’ve worked with?
- Does your organization offer additional services, such as home care?
By asking these questions, you’ll gain confidence that the GCM you select is equipped to meet your family’s unique needs.
Coordinating Care With a Geriatric Care Manager
One of the most significant benefits of working with a GCM is their ability to coordinate with other professionals involved in your loved one’s care. From collaborating with healthcare providers to partnering with legal experts and home care agencies, a GCM serves as the glue that holds a care plan together.
For instance, home care agencies, like Compassionate Care Home Health, work seamlessly with geriatric care managers to ensure that older adults receive the right mix of medical, personal, and emotional support. This partnership not only alleviates stress for family members but also enhances the quality of life for the individual receiving care.
How Home Care and GCMs Work Together
A GCM’s expertise complements the hands-on care provided by a home care agency. While the GCM oversees care coordination and handles logistical challenges, the home care team delivers in-home services such as:
- Assisting with personal care needs like bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Preparing meals and ensuring proper nutrition.
- Offering companionship to reduce feelings of loneliness.
- Providing transportation to appointments and errands.
Together, we create a cohesive support system that ensures older adults can age in place safely and comfortably.
Let’s Create a Plan That Works
If your loved one lives in in Traverse City, Saginaw, Cadillac, or anywhere else in Central and Northern Michigan, our team at Compassionate Care Home Health Services is here to help you navigate the complexities of senior care. Whether you need assistance finding the right resources or want to explore how home care can complement your loved one’s care plan, we’re just a phone call away. Contact us at 877.308.1212 to learn how we can support your family.