Using a Geriatric Case Manager to Assist with Care

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-ABSTRACT-

To become the caregiver for your parent is to tread on new ground. The parent, so used to dispense advice (whether requested or not) is now asking you for guidance – or perhaps is not even able to frame the question.

For adult children who have never interacted with the long term care field, these new responsibilities can be overwhelming. If a parent has been hospitalized, the family may have only a few days to select a nursing home or arrange for support at home. If the adult children live far away or have demanding jobs, it can be extremely stressful to make these decisions on such short notice and to serve as the long-term caregiver. These are the kinds of situations where a geriatric case manager can make a big difference.

WHAT ARE GERIATRIC CASE MANAGERS?

Geriatric case managers are typically social workers or nurses who specialize in assessing the needs and coordinating the care of the elderly. A case manager can:

• Visit your parent at home and assess whether your parent can remain at home, and what changes are needed to improve home safety;

• Develop a plan of care and coordinate home health workers, physicians, and therapists;

• Recommend nursing homes, assisted living residences, adult day care and home health care agencies based on your budget, religious preferences and geographic requirements; and

• Organize moving a parent to live near an adult child in another part of the country.

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