What Can a Care Manager Do For Me?

 

What is a Care Manager?

A care manager, also known as a geriatric care manager or aging life care professional, is a trained and experienced individual who specializes in assisting older adults and families in managing their loved one’s care needs. They serve as advocates, coordinators, and navigators in the complex world of elder care. Here are some key aspects of their role:

Comprehensive Assessments:

Care managers conduct thorough assessments of the person's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. They evaluate your loved one’s living environment, medical conditions, social support, and financial situation to gain a holistic understanding of their needs. Care Planning and Coordination: Based on the assessment, care managers develop personalized care plans tailored to the individual's unique requirements. They coordinate and monitor services, such as medical appointments, home health care, and assistance with activities of daily living. They ensure that all aspects of care are well-integrated and meet the individual's changing needs.

Advocacy:

Care managers act as advocates for the elderly person, ensuring their rights and preferences are respected. They collaborate with healthcare professionals, legal advisors, and other service providers to ensure the best interests of the individual are upheld.

Crisis Intervention:

In times of emergencies or unexpected health events, care managers are there to provide immediate support and guidance. They can help facilitate hospital transfers, communicate with medical staff, and ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home or a rehabilitation facility.

Emotional Support:

Aging can be emotionally challenging for both the elderly person and their adult children. Care managers offer a compassionate and understanding presence, providing emotional support and counseling to help families navigate difficult decisions and transitions.

How Can a Care Manager Help me?

Now that we have an understanding of what care managers do, let's explore some specific ways they can help in your caregiving journey

Expert Guidance:

Care managers have extensive knowledge of the resources, services, and options available for seniors. They can provide valuable information and guidance to help adult children make informed decisions about their parents' care. Time and Stress Management: Balancing work, personal life, and caregiving responsibilities can be overwhelming. A care manager can take on the time-consuming tasks of researching, coordinating, and managing care services, allowing adult children to focus on spending quality time with their parents and reducing stress.

Peace of Mind:

Knowing that a knowledgeable and experienced professional is overseeing your parents' care can provide a tremendous sense of relief. Care managers regularly communicate with families, providing updates and ensuring that your loved ones are safe and well-cared for.

Resource Sourcing:

Care managers have established networks of healthcare professionals, social workers, and community resources. They can connect families with trusted providers and advocate for the best possible care for your parents.

Long-Term Planning:

Care managers can assist in developing long-term care plans, including financial considerations, housing options, and advanced directives. They help families navigate the complexities of Medicaid, Medicare, insurance, and legal matters, ensuring that future needs are proactively addressed.

Conclusion:

Caring for aging parents is a responsibility that many adult children face, but you don’t have to face it alone. Engaging the services of a care manager can provide invaluable support, guidance, and peace of mind during this challenging journey. From comprehensive assessments to care coordination and emotional support, care managers play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of our elderly loved ones. By partnering with care management professionals, you can focus on cherishing the time you have with your loved one while knowing that their care needs are being expertly managed.

About The Author:

“Tina Buchanan, MSW is an Aging Life Care Professional with over 20 years of experience in the field of aging. She has worked in Skilled Nursing and Home Heath settings as a social worker. She is also the founder and CEO of Visionary Care Consultants Inc. a premiere Care Management group servicing families in San Diego and Riverside counties. Visionary Care Consultants believes that everyone deserves to age with Dignity and Integrity.
https://visionarycareconsultants.com/

About BrightStar Care of Carlsbad:

BrightStar Care of Carlsbad is the #1 rated home care agency in San Diego by Home Care Pulse.  They offer a wide range of in-home support services, including companion care, personal care and skilled nursing.  Because BrightStar caregivers are trained and supported by a RN Nursing Director who watches over our clients and staff – something extremely rare for home care companies --  they can provide early detection and intervention when medical issues arise.  And because of this nurse-led model, BrightStar clients are 25% less likely to be hospitalized compared to clients of other home care companies. BrightStarCare.com/Carlsbad