Role of Geriatric Elder Care Manager in Dementia Care

The role of the elder care manager is vital in demential care.
Why do we need to talk about the elder care manager?
As our population ages, the need for health care services as well as family and professional caregivers continues to grow. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s population projections, nearly 12,000 people will turn 65 every day in 2025. By 2030, just 5 short years away, all baby boomers will be 65 or older. This means one in every five Americans will have reached the traditional retirement age. This also means that dementia is growing exponentially as well since aging is one of the most significant diseases of a rapidly aging population.
Back in the 1980’s when Baby Boomers were starting to face the need to care for their aging parents, the profession of Geriatric Care Management emerged. Today there is a formal professional association and a greater need for their services than ever before.
When Working With A GCM, Crucial Care Provided For Dementia Patients
A Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) plays a crucial role in dementia care by providing a range of services designed to ensure optimal quality of life for the dementia patient and managing the complexities as the disease progresses.
The following highlights key responsibilities of a GCM in dementia care:
- Needs assessment:
Conducting thorough evaluations to identify the individual’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs related to their dementia, including daily living activities, communication abilities, and behavioral challenges.
- Care plan development:
Creating a customized care plan that addresses the specific needs identified during the assessment, including medical management, therapy interventions, safety measures, and support services.
- Service coordination:
Arranging and overseeing various care services such as in-home caregivers, adult day care, respite care, transportation, and specialized medical appointments.
- Family education and support:
Providing information and guidance to family caregivers on dementia management, coping strategies, communication techniques, and legal/financial considerations.
- Medical management liaison:
Collaborating with the individual’s primary care physician, specialists, and other healthcare providers to ensure coordinated care and address any medical concerns related to dementia.
- Advocacy:
Representing the individual’s interests and advocating for appropriate care and services, including navigating insurance complexities and accessing community resources. - Monitoring and adjustments:
Regularly reviewing the care plan and making necessary adjustments as the individual’s condition changes or new needs arise.
When Working with a GCM, the Family also Benefits
Working with a GCM provides numerous benefits for families who have a loved one suffering from dementia. The benefits include:
- Reduced caregiver stress:
GCMs can alleviate the burden on family caregivers by taking on the responsibility of managing complex care needs.
- Improved quality of life:
By coordinating comprehensive care, GCMs help ensure individuals with dementia receive the necessary support to maintain their quality of life.
- Informed decision-making:
GCMs provide expert guidance and support to families during critical decision-making points regarding care options. - Access to specialized resources:
GCMs have a network of community resources and can connect individuals with specialized dementia care services.
Be Proactive And Create A Plan Before The Need Arises
No one knows for certain exactly how their lives will unfold. However, we do know that we cannot avoid aging and ultimately death. While we cannot anticipate specific accidents or illnesses with any degree of accuracy, everyone can create an estate plan that anticipates life’s worst-case scenarios, providing instructions for long-term care and the care of loved ones when the need arises. Give my office a call at (470) 235-7868 and let us help you create a plan or review an existing plan especially if there has been a recent diagnosis of early dementia before cognitive abilities decline.
Looking to find an experienced estate lawyer in the Georgia area who is skilled in asset protection and estate plan preparation? Shannon Pawley is an attorney in Georgia with expertise in estate planning and asset protection. Shannon can provide assistance with creating an estate plan to include making a will and how to establish a trust properly. If you have questions about asset protection or questions about making an estate plan, reach out to Shannon and she will be glad to help answer all the estate planning questions you might have!