#41 - The Swiss Army Knife of Elder Care: Understanding Geriatric Care Managers

Geriatric care managers are specialized professionals who help older adults and their families navigate the complex world of aging. They serve as personal guides, advocates, and problem-solvers for seniors and family members, providing comprehensive support services that improve quality of life and reduce caregiver stress.

• Geriatric care managers perform comprehensive assessments of medical, psychological, social, and environmental needs
• Care managers create personalized care plans and coordinate necessary services
• They advocate for older adults in medical settings and family meetings
• They provide ongoing monitoring and quick response to changing needs or crises
• Care managers connect families with local resources from meal programs to elder law attorneys
• They help families make informed decisions and mediate conflicts

Consider a care manager if you live far away, feel overwhelmed, face family conflicts, or manage complex medical issues. Benefits include peace of mind, better health outcomes, time savings, and potential cost savings

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Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to Geriatric Care Management
• 3:02 What Geriatric Care Managers Actually Do
• 4:45 Real-World Success Stories
• 5:47 When to Call a Care Manager
• 7:21 Finding the Right Care Manager
• 9:24 Busting Common Myths
• 11:07 Conclusion and Resources

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:33

Welcome to the Aging in Place Directory podcast. Today we're discussing a topic that's both practical and, frankly, a bit of a lifesaver for families everywhere, and that is understanding the role of a geriatric care manager. Whether you're an adult child who's worried about your aging parent, a spouse trying to keep up with a partner's changing needs, or a senior determined to stay independent, this episode is for you. So picture this your mom is 85, fiercely independent and living in her own home. You live three states away and you're juggling a career, kids and your own life. Suddenly, mom's not answering the phone as often, and when she does, she sounds confused. Or maybe your dad's health is declining and you're overwhelmed by the maze of medical appointments, insurance forms and home safety concerns. Sound familiar? Well, you're not alone. In today's world. Families are often spread out and the responsibility for caring for older loved ones can fall on one overwhelmed family member, or sometimes no one at all. Enter the unsung hero of the aging journey the geriatric care manager.

Speaker 1: 1:50

A geriatric care manager, sometimes called an aging life care manager, is a specialized professional, usually a licensed nurse, social worker or someone with a background in gerontology, who helps older adults and their families navigate the complex world of aging. Think of them as your personal guide, advocate and problem solver, all rolled into one. They're not just for the wealthy or the very frail. In fact, as the population ages and by 2054 nearly a quarter of Americans will be over 65, the need for these professionals is growing fast. So what does a geriatric care manager actually do? Well, let's break down their role. Think about a Swiss Army knife, but for elder care. Here is what a geriatric care manager can do for you Assessments they start by evaluating the older adult's medical, psychological, social and environmental needs. This isn't just a checklist. It's a holistic look at the person's life, from medications to mobility to mood Care planning Based on their assessment, they create a personalized care plan. This might include home care services, medical appointments, social activities or even a new living arrangement. Coordination they arrange and oversee services, from hiring home health aides to finding transportation for doctor's visits. Advocacy Whether it's at a medical appointment, in a family meeting or navigating legal issues. They stand up for the older adults' wishes and needs. Ongoing monitoring they check in regularly with the elder, adjusting the care plan as needs change and responding quickly to crises. Resource connection With their deep knowledge of local resources, they can connect families to everything from meal programs to elder law attorneys and family support. They help families make informed decisions, mediate conflicts and provide emotional support during tough times.

Speaker 1: 4:09

So let's bring this to life with a couple of real world examples. Case one the long-ance Daughter. Samantha's mother, ruth, lives alone in Florida. Samantha lives in Chicago. When Ruth started missing her medications and skipping meals, samantha was frantic. Enter the geriatric care manager, who visited Ruth, assessed her needs, arranged for a home health aid and set up a medication reminder system. Now Samantha gets regular updates and can sleep at night knowing her mom is in good hands.

Speaker 1: 4:45

Case number two the family feud. The Jones siblings couldn't agree on what was best for their father, who had early dementia. One wanted him in assisted living, the other insisted he stay home until he had to move. A care manager was able to step in, facilitate a family meeting, explain their options and help the family reach a consensus that put their father's well-being first. You might be thinking well, that sounds like a lot, and you'd be right. Here are just some of the hats these professionals wear Mediator, when family members disagree.

Speaker 1: 5:23

Care managers help everyone get on the same page. Coach they educate families about aging dementia and available resources. Crisis manager. When emergencies hit, or like a fall, maybe, or a sudden illness, they can jump in to stabilize the situation and coordinate care and advocacy. They make sure the older adult's voice is heard, even when the person can't speak for themselves. And also they are navigators they guide families through the health care and social services maze, cutting through red tape and jargon.

Speaker 1: 6:02

So when should you call a geriatric care manager? Well, here is a quick checklist Consider reaching out if you live far from your aging loved one, if you're overwhelmed by the complexity of their care needs, if there are conflicts or confusion among family members, if your loved one has multiple medical or cognitive issues, if you need help finding or coordinating services, if you need help finding or coordinating services, and if there's been a crisis like a hospitalization, a fall or a sudden decline. My pro tip is don't wait for a crisis. The earlier you involve a care manager, the more options you'll have and the less stressful the process will be. So how about the benefits?

Speaker 1: 6:53

Why are families happy to work with care managers? Well, those who have worked with a geriatric care manager often describe them as a lifeline or the glue that holds everything together. Here's why. First, there's peace of mind. Knowing a professional is overseeing care can relieve enormous stress on the family, as overseeing care can relieve enormous stress on the family. Better outcomes, because coordinated care means fewer hospitalizations and a better quality of life. Time saved Care managers handle the details, freeing families to focus on relationships, not logistics and cost savings. By preventing crises and unnecessary services, they can actually save money in the long run.

Speaker 1: 7:35

So how do you find and choose a geriatric care manager? Well, first of all, not all care managers are created equal. So here's what to look for. First, look for credentials. You want professionals with backgrounds in nursing, social work or gerontology, and you want to check for certifications from organizations like the Aging Life Care Association. You want experience, so ask about their experience with your loved one's specific needs, such as dementia or mobility issues, etc. Definitely get references. Be sure to talk to other families they've helped. And you want transparency. Make sure that you understand what their fees and services are before you start. Well, that brings up the cost. Geriatric care managers are usually paid privately and costs can vary. Some will charge by the hour, others offer packages. While it is an investment, many families find that the benefits far outweigh the costs, especially when you consider the value of expert guidance and peace of mind.

Speaker 1: 8:47

How about myths and misconceptions? Well, let's bust a few of those. Myth one only wealthy people can afford a care manager. The fact is, while the services are not covered by Medicare, many families find the cost manageable, especially compared to the price of a crisis or poor care decisions. Or what if you have to keep running back and forth from far away and then you have problems with your job? So it can be very cost effective. Myth number two is that care managers will take over and push the family aside. Well, the fact is, care managers the best ones will work with a family, empowering them to make informed decisions. Myth number three they'll only help with medical issues. The fact is, their expertise spans medical, social, legal and even financial concerns.

Speaker 1: 9:45

So why do geriatric care managers matter? Well, at the end of the day, aging isn't just about medications and mobility aids. It's about dignity, independence and quality of life. Geriatric care managers bring a human touch. They listen and understand and advocate for what truly matters to the older adult and their family. As one care manager put it we help people navigate longevity, whatever that means for them. We go to the person where they are in that stage of life and we help them navigate the system. It's really a holistic, client-centered approach.

Speaker 1: 10:26

So, whether you're just starting to notice changes in a loved one or you're knee-deep in the challenges of caregiving, remember you don't have to do it alone. Geriatric care managers are the allies you didn't know you needed and they're ready to guide you through the journey with expertise, compassion and a little bit of humor along the way. If you're interested in learning more or finding a care manager in your area, check out resources like the Aging Life Care Association or your local area agency on aging. So thanks for joining us on the Aging in Place Directory podcast today. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who could use a little support on their own caregiving journey. And remember aging is a team sport. The right players, everyone wins. Until next time, stay safe, stay connected and keep aging in place with confidence. Thanks for listening. Bye.