Geriatric Care Managers Can Help Guide Families Through Senior Services

Courtney Smith with the Dallas, Texas-based Senior Source nonprofit agency says geriatric care managers can make a life-or-death difference for seniors and their families, reports the Dallas Morning News . Geriatric care managers function as guides and advocates for families caring for older relatives or disabled adults. They are specialized in aging and senior care, with diverse backgrounds that include nursing, gerontology, social work, and psychology. A care manager can assist families with finding a residential care center or lining up in-home care, accompany the senior to doctor appointments, or gently coax an individual that it is time to stop driving. They also help coordinate care for older adults with multiple health problems. "A lot of times there's denial, especially with seniors who have memory loss," notes Tina Lott of Caring With Grace in Dallas. "The family member who lives out of town may insist, 'Mom is fine,' but the sibling who lives here sees that Mom is actually living in a dirty house and missing her meds." A care manager can offer an objective assessment and recommendations. Overall, insurance does not cover the services of geriatric care managers, and free or lower-cost options for those in need of such services include the Senior Source and senior care adviser services.