The ‘sandwich generation’ needs help. A geriatric care manager can provide it
Posted On October 16, 2022
Have you ever heard of a geriatric care manager? I hadn’t, until I needed one. And if you have aging parents or loved ones, chances are you might be needing one soon, too.
A geriatric care manager is a healthcare professional who helps families that are dealing with an aging or disabled loved one. Many of them are nurses, social workers or other healthcare professionals, and certification is available through the Aging Life Care Association.
They can find resources in the community for the client and family; evaluate the home care situation and create a care plan; recommend retirement communities, nursing homes or other care facilities; line up service, such as home health, hospice, or sitting agencies; and serve as advocates for their clients.
Our guest recently on “What’s Working with Cam Marston” was someone who does all that: Ellen Douglas Alves. Her support and advice were invaluable to my family during my mother’s last days.
“Basically, I am like a liaison, an adviser, a resource finder for families who are dealing with an aging loved one, when they just don’t know where to turn or what to do,” Alves said. “I can act as the person who is unemotional, that’s not attached emotionally like you would be if it’s your own mother or father.”
As many of us are waiting longer to have children, it has left more of us in what’s known as the “sandwich generation” – people who are still raising kids and are now faced with also caring for elderly parents. Many also are no longer living in the same state as our elderly parents. These situations create a need for the help that someone like Alves can provide.
How do you know when you need a geriatric care manager?
- When you’re concerned about your loved one’s safety.
- When they aren’t taking medications properly.
- When an elderly loved one is having to serve as a caregiver for their spouse, and it’s taking a toll.
- When you’re concerned about an elderly loved one who has lost their spouse.
- When you aren’t sure about available resources or need help in developing a care plan.
Alves says she gets most of her business through word-of-mouth or from family attorney’s financial planners, ministers or others. She can be reached at ellen@yourpremiercare.com.