Geriatric care managers are typically registered nurses who are hired by private clients and/or their families.  The tasks of a geriatric care manager is much like those of a medical case manager.  The most common tasks include:

• Performing an in home assessment to determine the needs of the client
• Determine the client’s eligibility for social services, assistance with applying for those services and arranging the services.
• Arranging transportation to and from appointments and for activities of daily living
• Interviewing in home workers for assessment, arranging the services and monitoring the care
• Providing referrals to geriatric specialists and attending the appointment(s)
• Researching housing options and performing inspections of such
• Arrange and assist in moving the client from a home to other housing such as assisted living facility, nursing home, or retirement community
• Act as a liaison between the client and their family members by monitoring the client’s condition via home visits and phone calls and reporting the findings and concerns to the family members
• Verify that necessary services are being effectively and professionally delivered
• Analyze financial, legal and/or medical information and interpret it for the client and/or family members to better understand their options
• Work with an elder law attorney to reserve resources while obtaining the necessary services

Geriatric care managers work to provide information, but also peace of mind, particularly to family members who live far away from their aging relatives.  It is easy to become overwhelmed with the demands of daily life.  Add to that the daunting tasks of never-ending paperwork, making arrangements for assistance, coping with health problems, medication management and the aging process and you soon find you need help.  Contact your local case management association or contact your hospital discharge planner for recommendations.

What is your primary need for your loved on?  What services do you find most frustrating and need the most help with?

Related articles by Zemanta

• American Geriatrics Society Names AARP President Jennie Chin Hansen Its New CEO (eon.businesswire.com)