Senior Living Advice: Geriatric Care Managers offer insight to many senior’s futures
By Beth Dow, Solutions By Beth
If any of you had planned for 2020 to go like it has so far, I need you to pick lottery numbers for me!
For most of us, 2020 came as a big surprise. And not a good one.
In addition to the physical toll COVID-19 has taken, the emotional and financial toll for many seniors has been equally devastating. Retirement may have been something that was in the future. But thanks to COVID-19, forced retirement and retirement packages have thrown it into the present. And even for those who had
already settled into their retirement, the last 5 months may have you questioning if you are ready for what may be coming next.
The best time to make a plan for your future is now. The reason you plan is not necessarily because you believe everything is going to go as expected. You plan so that you have a firm understanding of your path and goals for when things do not go as expected.
Geriatric Care Managers (GCM) are trained professionals who can help you find resources and work with you to form a long-term plan. They will help lead you through difficult topics and complex issues.. They can help you decide what your goals are, and then help you find the resources to get there.
Your GCM can help you assess your financial and legal strategies and help you to answer the following questions:
1. Where do you want to live as you age?
2. How are you going to pay for your lifestyle and care?
3. Who will make decisions for you if you can’t?
4. If you are unable to care for yourself, who do you want to care for you?
If you are the adult child to a parent with care needs, GCMs can work with family caregivers to meet your loved one’s emotional, cognitive, social, and safety needs. They can quickly develop a care management plan to maximize their quality of life.
GCMs can assist in the oversight and coordination of current care needs, can assist in hiring caregivers and can make sure bills are being paid.
The cost of an initial evaluation and hourly rates vary and while this may be an added expense you had not thought about, Geriatric Care Managers usually save time and money by helping to make essential decisions about long-term goals including housing, and personal care needs.
A GCM will help you prioritize your needs, review options, and determine your best course of action.
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Beth Dow is a Dementia and Alzheimer’s Educator, CAEd, Geriatric Care Manager and Certified Senior Advisor. Contact her at [email protected]
