What is a Geriatric Care Manager?
by Nancy Wexler
We are here for you . . . when Mama doesn't remember any more, when Dad suffers a stroke, when your favorite Uncle or Aunt no longer can live alone safely . . . when you are trying your best to take care of an elderly loved one, and all your efforts just don't seem to be enough.Whenever a family is in crisis because a relative's golden years have begun to tarnish . . . it is the right time to seek out a professional.
I am a Private Geriatric Care Manager. Simply stated, I'm hired to make sure that the wants and needs of older people requiring assistance are provided for. In essence, I am the "hub" of their senior-care wheel, making sure all aspects of their lives are attended to properly.
This dedicated outside aid gives senior citizens and their loving families the freedom and opportunity to live fuller quality lives. A thousand of my colleagues perform such services for many thousands of families throughout America.
It must be understood that we are not public health workers, employed by the government. We work for you. Our commitment is to our clients.
Unlike public health workers, we are free to accept the clients who will most benefit from our skills and individual personalities.
Nor should we be confused with the "gatekeeper" type case of managers, whose goal is cost-containment in whatever domain they work. For instance, one of the major roles of such medical case managers is to look over the shoulders of doctors and hospitals, to limit treatment whenever possible. Their responsibility is to the companies who hire them.
On the other hand, private geriatric care managers are hired by individuals and families. Our responsibility and commitment are solely to you.
While "case manager" is often used as a buzzword for "cost effective," the emphasis of care managers is on the quality of life. Care managers attempt to be cost-effective, working within what the family can afford, but always using the elderly family member's needs and the quality of life as the guideline.
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Copyright Nancy Wexler 1996, 1998.