Care Management

My parents live in Northern Virginia and I live in California. Both are not well. I have young children and a career and cannot fly to Northern Virginia every time there is a problem. Can you help?
Yes! This is an excellent example of the role the geriatric care manager (GCM) plays. As an adult, balancing work and elder care can be a challenge whether your parent lives next door or out of state. For people like yourself who work and care for an aged family member, one solution is to hire a professional geriatric care manager. A GCM is a professional who specializes in assisting older adults and their families with long-term care arrangements. We ensure that your loved one’s needs are being met by providing necessary services and monitoring following a thorough assessment and plan of care.

How do I know when it is time to call a professional?
The following are signs that a professional is needed:

1. Increased health care concerns.
2. Falls and unexplained bumps/bruises.
3. Unkempt home.
4. Untouched food in the refrigerator/pantry.
5. Bills are not being paid.
6. Unkempt appearance.
7. Possible alcohol abuse.
8. Unsafe driving.
9. Memory loss and increased confusion.
10. Forgetting to take medications.
11. Decreased mobility. Need for assistance in going to the doctors, grocery store, etc.

How do I select a qualified GCM that I can trust and depend upon?
A good GCM takes the time to get to know you and understand your concerns, needs and wants. Ask for credentials. Do they have a college degree? If yes, in what field? Are they certified through the Aging Life Care Association? Are they licensed? How much experience do they have working with older adults? Request references. Do they have liability insurance? What are their fees? How do they charge (hourly/per job)? Fees vary across the nation and can mount fast. Stay in close contact with the GCM until a solid relationship is built. Don’t fall prey to geriatric care managers who are inept, overpriced or unethical.

My mother can no longer live in her home due to her increased forgetfulness and health care needs. She needs to be in a community which provides assistance with her needs and a structured environment. I do not know what options are available in her area, what she would qualify for or what needs to be done to get her in. Can you help with this?
Absolutely. A GCM will do a thorough evaluation to find out what her needs are and what level of care she requires. We will also do a financial analysis to find out what she can afford and if she qualifies for Medicaid or Section 8 Housing. A report will be prepared which will give you several options for housing. If necessary, GCM will actually do everything necessary to get her admitted to a facility and to help with the adjustment process.

Dad seems very forgetful. He forgets to take his medication and he frequently loses his keys. I am worried. What should I do?
It is normal for the older adult to experience increased forgetfulness. This is a normal process of aging. The following are indications that further evaluation by a professional are to be considered:

1. Loss of several hours
2. Unable to balance a checkbook
3. Finding misplaced items in inappropriate locations (such as finding missing keys in the refrigerator)
4. Difficulty performing everyday tasks
5. Car accidents
6. Unable to recognize familiar faces
7. Difficulty remembering time and place or new faces
8. Getting lost in familiar surroundings
9. Increased forgetfulness
10. Asks questions repeatedly
11. Change in personality

Is placement in a nursing home the only option?
No. Although nursing home placement may be necessary, there are other options to consider and include: assisted living; home health care; companions; adult day care and a geriatric care manager.