Are you feeling overwhelmed with the responsibilities of caring for your loved one? It might be comforting to know that help is available. Geriatric care managers are experts who are dedicated to assisting you in your caregiving journey.
In this article, we’ll dive into understanding who these professionals are and how they can significantly alleviate the stress of transitioning your loved one into an assisted living and memory care community.
Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
What is a geriatric care manager?
Geriatric care managers (GCM) are professionals who coordinate different aspects of healthcare and support services, ensuring elderly individuals receive holistic care.
GCMs dedicated specialist who can assist you in taking the best possible care of your aging loved one.
They can communicate directly with doctors and coordinate necessary services, taking the burden off your shoulders and ensuring your loved one receives the attentive and personalized care they deserve.
GCMs may also be referred to as:
- Professional relatives
- Aging care advocates
- Elder care specialists,
- Professional advocates
- Senior care managers
- Senior care coordinators
What is the role and responsibilities of a geriatric care manager?
The role of a GCM primarily involves coordination and management rather than hands-on care.
Their tasks could include collaborating with doctors for medical management, arranging necessary home safety modifications, and organizing legal and financial consultations.
Care managers can aid families in navigating difficult decisions and shoulder the responsibility of making challenging choices.
For example, imagine being the primary caregiver for your spouse, who is gradually losing their memory to dementia.
Just as you feel overwhelmed with doctors’ appointments, therapy sessions, and daily care tasks, a geriatric care manager can step in to take over managing these tasks.
There are many real-life scenarios in caregiving in which GCMs could help.
Personalized care planning
GCMs will collaboratively craft a daily routine for a resident who enjoys morning walks and bird watching, intertwining their passions with their care schedule.
They will also help to develop a customized cognitive therapy plan for a loved one who loves painting, allowing them to engage with their hobby while receiving the necessary care.
If your loved one has dietary restrictions, a GCM can work with a nutritionist to create a meal plan to accommodate them.
Medical management
GCMs can facilitate a smooth communication channel between a family in another state, for example, and the loved one’s healthcare provider, ensuring they’re updated with accurate medical information and progress.
They can also offer assistance in understanding and managing the intricate medication regime for an elderly parent, preventing any mix-ups and ensuring consistent adherence.
Additionally, if a loved one needs a physical therapist to work on their mobility issues and regain independence, a GCM can help you find the right one.
Coordination of services
A geriatric care manager will organize a network of support services, such as transportation and housekeeping, to aid a family in juggling work and caregiving responsibilities.
For example, a senior care manager can connect a son with legal experts to assist in setting up a trust fund for his mother, simplifying the legal complexities and offering peace of mind.
Holistic family support
Senior care managers facilitate family meetings to discuss and plan future steps in caregiving, fostering open communication and unity.
They can also offer emotional support and counseling to a spouse struggling to come to terms with their partner’s dementia diagnosis.
Benefits of hiring a geriatric care manager who is a registered nurse
Having a geriatric care manager who is also a registered nurse brings many advantages.
Their in-depth medical knowledge and assessment skills facilitate informed decision-making.
These benefits are magnified in scenarios involving dementia or Alzheimer’s, where medical expertise becomes crucial.
A nurse can:
- Assess the medical condition in real-time
- Offer guidance on managing medications and therapies
- Facilitate communication between healthcare providers and the family
This integrated approach ensures that your loved one receives the best possible care, with compassion and empathy.
How geriatric care managers work with senior living communities such as The Kensington Reston
Transitioning to a senior living community often marks a significant milestone in the caregiving journey.
The Kensington Reston partners with GCMs to ensure an easy transition and clear communication between families, residents, and our care teams.
Geriatric care managers play a pivotal role in:
- Facilitating transitions: Helping families evaluate suitable senior living options and make smooth transitions.
- Ensuring continuity of care: Collaborating with communities such as The Kensington Reston to ensure a seamless continuity of care.
By fostering collaboration, geriatric care managers ensure that the transition is not only smooth but enriching for your loved one.
The Kensington Reston is here to help
The Kensington Reston, prominently situated in Virginia, stands as a pillar in assisted living and memory care communities.
When you find yourself caregiving for a loved one, there’s nothing wrong with asking for help when you need it, whether that be in the form of a geriatric care manager or a senior living community (or a combination of both).
At the core of our care is Our Promise: to love and care for your family as we do our own. This commitment is ingrained in every service and amenity we offer.
Our team is here to assist in navigating the intricate journey of caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
We specialize in offering tailored memory care and Alzheimer’s care programs, ensuring that your loved ones receive the compassionate and skilled attention they deserve.
At The Kensington Reston, we believe in creating vibrant experiences for our residents and helping them maintain their vitality.
That includes:
- Our life enrichment programs
- Top-tier dining services
- Holistic rehabilitation services
- Exceptional dementia care services
We invite you to explore more about our services and the vibrant life that awaits at The Kensington Reston assisted living community.