Daily life can become challenging as loved ones age, not just for them but also for the family.
Adult children and other relatives in the family all do their best to support someone aging, but it’s important to remember that not all aspects of life while getting older can be remedied by a family member. There can be too much to balance with their own family, work, and a lack of medical expertise can only endanger elderly loved ones.
Let’s discuss why professional care management is vital for aging loved ones, despite the best efforts of family members.
What are Professional Care Management Services?
Before we go over the reasons why aging loved would benefit from professional care managers, let’s define what care managers provide and what care management services are:
Care managers serve multiple roles in the family and for a loved one, but their primary position is to advocate for the older adult. They create a personalized care management plan that includes a holistic assessment of their mental, physical, and emotional well-being so that elderly loved ones are given the care they require, as well as have someone who can adjust the plan according to changing needs.
Some of the other services care managers provide include:
- Evaluating in-home care needs
- Coordinate healthcare
- Assist with housing and relocation
- Mediate family relationships
- Create short and long-term aging life care or elder care plans
- Consult with family caregivers
4 Reasons Why Aging Loved Ones Need a Geriatric Care Manager
Care managers provide a great deal of support for both seniors and their families by taking on the responsibility of tending to their care needs while alleviating the pressure felt by friends and family members to provider around-the-clock care. Some of the benefits of having care management include:
- Navigating the healthcare system: Seniors who have several types of doctors, don’t always communicate the best. Care managers act as “professional relatives” whose main responsibility is ensuring your patient receives the best care possible. They know the healthcare system for seniors very well and can ensure the care they’re receiving is working towards their needs.
- Promoting Socialization: They can mitigate the effects of social isolation by helping your elderly loved ones stay connected to their friends, and finding social opportunities for them so they don’t drift into isolationism.
- Customizable Care: Not two seniors are alike and senior homes cannot always provide personalized care, there is too much to do at the facility. Care managers provide direct attention and bring their experience to a particular situation to provide a care plan that serves your loved one best.
- Support for the Family: Care managers assist families and their loved ones with decisions connected to aging and help caregiving families understand that it’s ok to set limits. Medical decisions and aging life care can be difficult to make, but a care manager can help walk you through them to see what the family and your loved one thinks is best for their health.
Support For the Whole Family
The family wants to be there for someone they love, especially in the later stages of life. There can be shame around looking into in-home care or professional care management, but there shouldn’t be. Having a care manager is an act of love and help for seniors, helping their care be organized and fit their situation. No one can do everything, and the healthcare system can be confusing, especially if making decisions for someone else. Having care management can help everyone involved do what is best while giving greater support to your loved ones, as well as the whole family.