Elder care advisers serve the elderly and their families, many of whom are also caregivers. Providing quality support services is a primary goal of elder care. Services include counseling and caregiver support, estate planning and other financial advice, in addition to geriatric care management. All of these services are intended to help keep elderly individuals living independently in their own homes for as long as possible. However, when home care is no longer practical, elder care advisers work with clients and their families to determine the least restrictive alternative.
Types
Elder care advisers make up a team of professionals who specialize in different areas of geriatric care. A geriatric care manager typically focuses on the areas of health care as well as the psychosocial needs of the elderly client. Sometimes geriatric care managers must meet with hospital discharge planners and social workers from long-term care communities to discuss the need for home care services for elderly individuals returning to their homes in the community. When a person's physical health or cognitive abilities deteriorate, an elder care attorney may be asked to draft an advance directive, including a designated health care agent, power of attorney and living will. In certain cases, the attorney is asked to draft a will or create a trust. Financial planners assist in money management by providing advice related to income, assets and expenses. They also assist in tax preparation, monitor investments and may be responsible for estimating the on-going cost of care.
Features
A geriatric care manager (GMC) is often the first person with whom clients and their families meet to discuss their concerns. The GCM schedules a home visit to assess the client's current abilities to function within the home environment. Following the initial assessment, a care plan is developed that clearly identifies the current problem, as well as any anticipated problems in the future. A care plan suggests specific interventions and makes recommendations related to the resources needed to provide the necessary support services. GCMs have knowledge about the services available to seniors in their communities so that they can connect individuals and their families with the appropriate services. Follow up may involve monthly home visits to ensure that a client's needs are being met.
Considerations
Family members are often overwhelmed and confused about whether they should intervene, and if so, when and how. Geriatric care managers are professionals paid to assess the situation and then make this decision. Unfortunately, caregivers are frequently confronted with making sudden decisions about a family member's care because a situation has occurred or worsened quickly. The elder care advisor is hired on a fee-for-service basis to evaluate the situation, and then develop a practical plan for managing the client's day-to-day and long-term care needs.
Benefits
Elder care advisers are often nurses, social workers, patient advocates or psychologists with special training in geriatrics. The role of an elder care advisor becomes critical if an adult child lives a distance from older parents and is not readily accessible in cases of emergency. A geriatric care manager may be hired to evaluate the elderly individual's living situation, and then provide support and oversight. Home health workers are frequently utilized as they can enable the client to continue to live in his own home.
Warning
An elder care advisor may be called in following a serious health-related incident or if a neighbor or family member notices a change in an older person's physical or mental status. Unpaid bills, neglecting personal hygiene or an uncared for home can all be signs that an elderly individual may now need support services in the home. Home care services or assisted living may be required if the person is no longer able to function independently or perform the basic activities of daily living without assistance.
Potential
Elder care professionals are valuable resources to elderly clients and their families. Not only do they provide continuous support and obtain appropriate services, elder care advisers can help clients and their families communicate openly with each other. By facilitating honest communication among clients, their families, and their caregivers, the client's feelings are more likely to be be considered in the decision-making.
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