Caring for an aging parent or grandparent can be one of the most rewarding yet overwhelming roles you may take on. Many adult children and family members find themselves balancing a full-time job, raising their own children, and managing a household, all while trying to ensure a loved one receives the attention and assistance they need. If this sounds familiar, working with a geriatric care manager might be the solution you need. To help you decide, the Vero Beach attorneys at Kulas Crawford & Smith discuss how a geriatric care manager may be able to help you in Florida.
Understanding the Reality of Family Caregiving
When you are in the midst of providing ongoing care for an elderly loved one, the experience may often feel isolating. You might be emotionally and physically drained, while also carrying a sense of guilt or frustration. These emotions are common and understandable. Family caregivers across the country face these same challenges every day.
In the United States, tens of millions of individuals provide unpaid care to a loved one who is aging, chronically ill, or disabled. Many older adults, even those with significant limitations, depend entirely on informal caregivers like family members. While this support is essential, it often comes at a cost. The financial impact on caregivers can exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost wages and retirement benefits over a lifetime. Additionally, more than 11 million people each year care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, a number expected to increase as the population ages. These statistics help illustrate that caregiving, though it may feel isolating, is a widespread reality. You are not alone in your experience and, more importantly, help is available.
What Does a Geriatric Care Manager Do?
A geriatric care manager, sometimes known as an aging life care professional, serves as an advocate, advisor, and coordinator for older adults and their families. These professionals often come from backgrounds in nursing, social work, or gerontology. They specialize in assessing an individual’s needs and identifying the most appropriate support systems. Their assistance is especially valuable when adult children live far away or are unable to manage day-to-day care due to other responsibilities. Whether your loved one lives at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing facility, a geriatric care manager can offer a broad range of services designed to improve the overall quality of care and reduce the burden on you and your family. Some of the services a geriatric care manager in Florida might provide include:
- Evaluating your loved one’s physical, mental, and emotional condition and crafting a personalized care plan.
- Coordinating medical services, scheduling appointments, and managing communication among healthcare providers.
- Assisting with transitions, such as a move from home to an assisted living facility or skilled nursing center.
- Helping families understand available long-term care options and what those options may cost.
- Monitoring in-home caregivers or facility-based care to ensure safety and quality.
- Mediating family disagreements or helping resolve conflict about a loved one’s care decisions.
- Arranging transportation to doctor visits or social activities.
- Managing medications to help avoid dangerous interactions or missed doses.
- Assisting with legal and financial planning by connecting families with appropriate professionals.
- Helping families understand and prepare for Medicaid eligibility or other public benefits.
- Supporting clients in emergency situations and avoiding preventable crises.
- Advising on long-term planning, even for those not currently in need of care.
For many families, the presence of a geriatric care manager means peace of mind. You know someone with professional experience is there to oversee your loved one’s needs, advocate on their behalf, and update you regularly, especially if you live far away or cannot be involved every day.
Locating a Geriatric Care Manager in Florida
If you believe that a care manager may be the right fit for your family, you can begin by searching resources such as the Aging Life Care Association (formerly known as the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers). Their website allows you to search for professionals by location and specialty. Additionally, the National Care Planning Council maintains directories that can help you find qualified professionals in your area.
Do You Have Additional Questions about How a Geriatric Care Manager Can Help You in Florida?
To learn more, please join us for an upcoming FREE seminar. If you have any additional questions about how a geriatric care manager may be able to help you in Florida, please contact an experienced Vero Beach elder law attorney at Kulas Crawford & Smith by calling (772) 398-0720 to schedule a consultation.
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