As you and your loved one begin to navigate caregiving for someone with dementia, it may become very overwhelming. There are many plans that have to be in place and sometimes it is difficult to even know where to begin. One person who can help with this process is a Geriatric Care Manager. This individual is typically a medical professional or social worker who assists with navigating the many levels of care that are needed for someone with dementia.

Geriatric Care Manager & Services Offered

There are many things that these care managers can assist with including:

• Discuss difficult topics and complex issues
• Make home visits and suggest needed services
• Address emotional concerns
• Make short- and long-term plans
• Evaluate in-home care needs
• Select care personnel
• Coordinate medical services
• Evaluate other living arrangements
• Provide caregiver stress relief

Finding the Right Fit

It can take some time to find a case manager who is right for your family. There are several routes that one can take in order to find the right fit. One way place to look is online. https://eldercare.acl.gov is a great resource for finding case managers. It also may be beneficial to ask others you know who might have had a case manager at some point. When interviewing for the position, you should ask questions that will give you good insight on the type of care that will be provided. Some example questions you might ask are:

• Are you a licensed geriatric care manager?
• How long have you been providing care management services?
• Are you available for emergencies around the clock?
• Does your company also provide home care services?
• How will you communicate information to me?
• What are your fees? Will you provide information on fees in writing prior to starting services?
• Can you provide references?

The more questions you ask, the more information you will have. Never be afraid to ask questions when it comes to care for someone you love.

At some point in your older adult’s care, you and your family might feel completely lost and unsure. If you’re stuck and don’t know what to do, a Geriatric Care Manager can help you understand options, tradeoffs and costs. Here at Orchard at Brookhaven, we are happy to be a part of the process. We love working with all of our residents’ team members to create the best care possible. If you or someone you love are interested in finding out more about all we have to offer, contact us today.