In the past, extended families have equally shouldered the job of managing care for the elderly in their households. Times have changed, families now live farther apart and hence taking care of an elderly person in a family can be quite an overwhelming task for any individual. Research shows that more than 60% of senior citizens need elderly care support.
This geriatric care support not only includes medical care and supervision but also comfort care, assistance with daily routines, getting to doctor appointments and even paying bills for them. Seniors love to be self-reliant but various factors like degrading health conditions, financial insecurity, loss of cognitive abilities make them depend on a caretaker somehow or the other. More often than not, this support is given by a family member. This on a continuous basis becomes a tremendous load to bear, as the support and care needed tends to increase as they age.
When do you need a care manager for elderly support?
The circumstances under which families need care management for seniors can vary. However, here are a few likely scenarios:
The senior has very limited or no support available from their family, or the family is far away
The senior’s family has only limited knowledge about the condition and the family needs expert advice
The family of the senior wants to help, but are not sure of the correct approach
Family members are overwhelmed and discouraged with their obligation to provide constant care
The family wants to streamline their geratric care routines, so they do not have to manually book every time.
The seniors themself feel that they need better care from outside family
These are where care management services for seniors can help!
Care management service
A care management service takes care of all the senior related needs completely. Care managers, also known as Geriatirc Care managers help family members who are overwhelmed by responsibilities carried by them as the state of the senior loved one deteriorates over time. Being experienced in these matters, care management services help the family members navigate through the labyrinth of care options, products and services.
The Role of Care Manager
Care managers for seniors have in-depth knowledge of needs and services pertaining exclusively for the senior generation. They help in arranging all the required geriatric care. Being in this field for a while and walking the same difficult road many times, they have an extensive network of resources/service providers which can be utilized to make daily life easier for the senior.
Geriatric care managers can be especially helpful when the senior lives alone without family members to take care of their needs. These care managers will regularly check from time to time on the senior to make sure they are fine and even arrange medical checkups and errand services for them.
The care manager quickly develops to be a ‘Professional Relative’ who helps in identifying needs of the family and the senior and finds a way to address them efficiently.
Why Hire a Care Manager for elderly?
Many people have hired financial advisors, tax preparers, chartered accountants and other specialists to assist in tough and complex decisions. However, many people are not aware that they can also hire care professionals who have extensive knowledge about elderly care.
A Certified Care Manager helps the family’s caregivers to put together long and short term care plans, discuss the seniors’ needs and coordinate local healthcare services for an all-rounded care. Hiring a care manager saves money, time and also helps avoid costly or regrettable decisions. Even paying a few hundred rupees for a one-time assessment can be quite useful based on the insights and services they provide.
The services Care Managers provide:
Assess, monitor and arrange for in-home personnel and care needs.
Coordinating medical checkups and arranging online consultations.
Do renovation works to make their home more senior friendly
Run errand and concierge services and also maintain medical records
Taking care of their travel demands and maintaining properties
Creating short and long term care plans according to needs
Acting as a Point of Contact to families living away.
Arranging for relief or emergency care if needed.
Things to check before you hire a care manager for senior
Be clear about your expectations. That starts with asking a prospective care-management provider the right questions.
Services: What are the services the care management provides?
Home visits: Do they have nurses, doctors, physiotherapists and physiologists on their payroll?
Medicine: Do they take care of medicines and keep medical record maintenance?
Size: How many geriatric care managers do you have on staff?
Qualifications: What credentials and background checks performed for those offering the services?
Costs: What are the charges for consultations and other service costs?
Communication: Is there an option for a designated family person to contact?
Flexibility: What happens if there is an emergency?
References: Who has used your services and what are their reviews
?
Author: Team 60plus India
Keywords: Care management services, Care for the elderly, Elderly care support, Geriatric care , care management services for seniors.
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