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Geriatric care managers help older people stay at home
In this story: Finding help Paying the bill Where to go for help RELATEDS  |
(WebMD) -- Geriatric care managers, members of a relatively new specialty, coordinate services that can help older people stay in their homes for as long as possible. For families considering such help, though, finding the right help and weighing the options can be daunting. Here are some tips:
Finding help
Members of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers are equipped to assess the needs of the elderly; to arrange for services, review legal, financial and medical issues to avoid problems and unnecessary expenses; to coordinate the various government, private and community services available; to offer counseling; and to act as liaison for distant families.
Members must have a certain amount of training and experience, but certification is voluntary; most GCMs have state licenses as social workers, registered nurses, or psychologists. Their services are used by seniors who move into eldercare housing as well as those who wish to live independently in their own homes. The national organization is reachable at www.caremanager.org. The site lists members of the Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers by state or zip code.
If you are about to hire a geriatric care manager, the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers suggests you ask a prospective caregiver these questions:
Paying the bill
The job of coordinating services can be done by a family member or friend, but it requires researching what is available, then overseeing the care -- no small task, particularly if done long-distance. A GCM who evaluates what is needed, puts it in place, and keeps it running at a price the family can afford may be well worth the fee, which can be $180 or more for an evaluation visit, then about $60 an hour for follow-up, monitoring, and communicating with the family.
Hired homemakers/caregivers, transportation services, house modifications, and other services add to the bill. The total monthly cost of "aging in place" varies. An elderly woman who needs only light housekeeping or companionship for three hours twice a week might spend around $240 a month, much less than someone who needs help 24 hours a day. That can run $5,000 or more -- much more if a health aide is needed.
There is some financial aid for senior citizens who meet the Medicare or Medicaid qualifications. Less expensive home health care is also available through some state and city social service agencies as well as through the Red Cross, Visiting Nurses Association and other concerned groups. State agencies on aging, hospital discharge offices and Medicare offices may also have information about services offered by various private home care agencies.
Where to go for help
The Web site www.aarp.org provides information about living at home, modifying a home, home improvement contractors, staying socially connected, transportation and help with home care.
The Web site www.elderweb.com has extensive links to other sites related to aging in place and independent living.
The Web site www.homemods.org has information on modifying homes for the elderly.
© 2000 Healtheon/WebMD. All rights reserved.
RELATEDS AT
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Is long-term care insurance for you?
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Caregivers
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RELATED SITES:
American Association of Retired Persons
ElderWeb
National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification
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