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The Ongoing Problem of Elder Abuse
| Posted on May 1, 2013 at 3:05 PM |
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The problem of elder abuse is not going away. With millions of cases of elder abuse reported
each year, this has become a very serious issue. Maybe it’s a combination of more seniors
sharing homes with their families and the stresses most people live under
today. Certainly the struggle to care for an elderly adult who is sick or impaired, either
physically or mentally, along with the financial burden of caring for an elderly
individual, can cause stress on a caregiver and increase the
likelihood of abuse. The victim is often
female, over the age of 75, dependent on the abuser, isolated and frequently impaired. The abusers are frequently financially dependent,
isolated, inexperienced, unrealistic and impatient caregivers. And while abusers can be spouses,
children, hired caregivers, or any other adults with whom elderly individuals
have contact, the greatest risk for the victim comes from those
with whom they live. Family dynamics are
a major contributing factor to adult abuse; it is known that in 90% of all reported elder abuse cases, the abuser
is a family member. Researchers have estimated that anywhere from five to
twenty-three percent of all caregivers are physically abusive. What are the indications that someone is not being treated
with proper care? Each state might differ slightly in its definition, but the following comes from Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs: Physical Abuse is the infliction or the threat to inflict physical pain or injury
on an elderly person. This
includes pushing,
striking, slapping, kicking, pinching, restraining, shaking, beating burning,
hitting, shoving or other acts that can cause harm to an individual. Emotional or Psychological Abuse is the infliction of mental stress, pain,
or anguish through non-verbal or verbal actions including verbal
berating, harassment, intimidation, threats of punishment of deprivation,
criticism, demeaning comments, coercive behavior, isolation from family and
friends. Financial Exploitation involves improper use of the victim’s
funds, property or assets, cashing checks without permission, forging
signatures, coercing or deceiving an older person into signing a document, using
an ATM card without permission. Sexual Abuse is non-consensual sexual contact of any kind
including assault or battery, rape, sodomy, coerced nudity or sexually explicit
photographing Neglect is indicated with unexpected or unexplained
deterioration of health, personal care, or
living situation, inadequate food, clothing and/or shelter. We all need to become educated about what elder abuse is and
how it can be prevented. In the event
that you know an elderly individual who is the victim of abuse, there are many
resources from public authorities to legal professionals, you can contact. Bottom line -- if you
believe someone you know is the victim of elder abuse, seek help. You
can call the toll free hotline: 1-800-96-abuse. All calls are confidential.  Susan Luxenberg President HomeSmart LLC |
A Very Special Event
| Posted on March 9, 2013 at 9:11 AM |
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THE RED CARPET WILL ROLL OUT MARCH 16, IN BOCA RATON, FL., FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES The nation’s Largest Free Event for Kids & Adults with Special Needs Invites America to Attend 5th Annual Day-Long Party in BOCA RATON, FL The nation’s largest, annual, free-event for people with physical and/or intellectual challenges, the Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities, will take place Saturday, March 16, 2013, from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, in Spanish River Park, State Road A1A, Boca Raton, FL. The event encourages families with a child or adult member with disabilities, to spend a long weekend in Florida during the nicest time of year, early spring. “We annually roll out the red carpet to welcome people from all across the United States,” says Bash director Jay Van Vechten. “Florida residents and visitors alike have discovered the Bash is the one national event that celebrates diversity by offering a safe, accessible, atmosphere for all ages, with any type of physical and/or intellectual disability, their caregivers and families. Last year, 4496 guests registered at the gates, while 501 volunteers lined up to assist with hospitality and helping attendees have the best possible time. Five thousand guests are expected this year. Everything for the day is free to all participants. See you there! Susan Luxenberg President HomeSmart LLC |
Technology Report
| Posted on October 16, 2012 at 9:03 AM |
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Periodically I like to check out the new and/or updated technologies
for aging in place that are being brought to market. Here are a few I found interesting: Microsoft, in an effort to improve its technology for
people challenged by limited motor skills or for those visually or
hearing disabled, has made changes to its new operating system, Windows 8, to
significantly enhance accessibility.
Both Microsoft Magnifier and Microsoft Narrator have been improved with
touch capabilities making them much simpler to use and maneuver. To make these features easier to find,
greater emphasis has been put on the Windows Ease of Access Center which will
be clearly visible on the systems home page.
The Ease of Access Center poses questions that are designed to direct
the user to the features they need to be using.
For example, “Do you have difficulty reading the screen?” will prompt
someone to open the Magnifier function. And
while not there yet, Microsoft’s journey is towards broader accessibility. Eventually users will be able to interact
with their computer or tablet using the method they’re most comfortable with --
keyboard, voice recognition or even gestures –
virtually eliminating any visual, auditory, or dexterity impediments they might
have. Care Technology Systems and
Qualcomm Life have partnered to create is a cloud based system that enables
provider and users to capture data for any wireless medical device and deliver
it in a secure and reliable system. Information can be easily retrieved by
physicians, caregivers, or other critical audiences, for use in healthcare
decisions. The company provides fall
detection monitoring, activity monitoring, and biometric monitoring (pulse oximeter,
glucometer, weight scale, and blood pressure cuff) which is FDA approved and HIPAA
compliant. Read more at www.caretechsys.com Telikin
is committed to helping people who are computer novices connect with family,
friends and the world. Telikin
makes the easy to use, all-in-one, touchscreen computer that integrates features such as video chat with integrated Skype, photo sharing with an
integrated facebook application, email, contacts, weather, news, full web
browser, word processing, built in video help and more in a virus free
system. With the large monitor, intuitive interface, easy menu of popular
features, and extensive customer support, Telikin helps people stay connected
to their families, friends and the world. Find out more at www.telikin.com With an estimated 36 million American facing age-related
hearing loss and the hearing aid market estimated at $6 billion dollars globally,
the race is on to apply current technology -- such as that used in noise
cancellation and miniaturization -- to an inexpensive, user friendly hearing
device. Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAP) are being marketed as less expensive alternative to a traditional hearing aid. PSAPs are classified as electronics and
not as medical devices by the Food and Drug Administration, consequently they are
not regulated and do not require a prescription. While these personal sound amplifiers may help people hear things that are at low volume or at a distance, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wants to ensure that consumers don't mistake them—or use them as substitutes—for approved hearing aids. "Hearing aids and personal sound amplification products (PSAPS) can both improve our ability to hear sound," says Eric Mann, M.D., Ph.D, clinical deputy director of FDA's Division of Ophthalmic, Neurological, And Ear, Nose, and Throat Devices. "They are both wearable, and some of their technology and function is similar." There are a number of companies making PSAPs which range from well under $100 to around $1,000, unlike a typical pair of hearing aids which cost $3000-$4000. Able Planet, a $140 million consumer electronics company, offers a
tiny, in-ear device, called Personal Sound, which has won numerous product
awards. To read more see www.ableplanet.com/products/hearing-health Susan Luxenberg, President HomeSmart LLC |
Safe at Home
| Posted on May 19, 2012 at 6:05 PM |
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While there are many people who would benefit from
home modifications, finding the money to pay for them can be difficult. Unless one has private funds, is entitled to VA
benefits, has a long term care policy that pays for accessibility modifications,
or can draw equity out of their home, there is little else that pays for adapting a home for safety and accessibility. Local
governments used to be a source of funding for these projects through Community
Development Block Grants (CDBG funds) but today most of that money has dried
up. The challenge then is finding resources to help
families that need these type of modifications but cannot afford to pay for this work
themselves. Rebuilding Together is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization providing critical home
repairs, modifications and improvements for America’s low-income homeowners. Their “Safe at Home” program
addresses home repair and maintenance issues that may otherwise present a
safety risk or that limit access to or within the home. Safe at Home covers a variety of strategies,
including:
Safe at Home modifications cover fall prevention, fire safety and general safety issues.
Rebuilding Together and their affiliates can’t do it all on their own so collaborating with national and local organizations is a critical factor in a holistic approach to service delivery. Community partners include but are not limited to:
Look for your local chapter of Rebuilding
Together and find out more on their website: http://rebuildingtogether.org/whatwedo/how-we-help/safehomes President HomeSmart LLC |
Fair Housing & Disabilities
| Posted on April 4, 2012 at 5:35 PM |
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The Fair
Housing Act is a federal law that prohibits all housing providers from
discriminating against persons with a disability. The Fair Housing Act covers most housing – single
family houses, apartment complexes, mobile home parts, condominiums, retirement
communities, cooperatives, time shares, senior housing, boarding houses,
residential hotels, group homes, and assisted living facilities. In
some circumstances, the Act exempts owner-occupied buildings with no more than
four units, single-family housing sold or rented without the use of a broker,
and housing operated by organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to
members. According to
this Act, a disability is defined as “a physical or mental impairment which
substantially limits one or more major life activities.” Examples of impairments include mobility and cognitive
impairments, vision, hearing, AIDS or HIV infection, mental illness, learning
disabilities, head injury, asthma, chronic fatigue, or history of alcoholism or
drug addiction. Disability does not
include current use of or addiction to illegal drugs. The Fair
Housing Act protects all housing applicants, buyers, and tenants with
disabilities as well as anyone associated with them, such as family members. It requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations and allow reasonable modifications so that people
with disabilities can use and enjoy housing on an equal basis. A housing provider does have the right to request proof of the disability (a doctor’s note should suffice) and how the requested accommodation or modification would increase that individual's safety and comfort. Reasonable accommodations
are those changes to policies, rules, or practices that persons with
disabilities may need in order to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy
their home. For example, waiving a no
pet rule for a guide dog, or creating a reserved parking space near the
building entrance for someone who is mobility impaired. A reasonable modification is any physical change to a rental unit, condo, co-op, or common space that is needed for an individual’s full enjoyment of his/her home. Generally
speaking, a modification is considered reasonable when it is practical and
realistic and linked to a particular disability. Here are
some examples of reasonable modifications: Installing grab bars in the bathroom Widening doorways Installing a ramp at
the building’s entrance or front door Installing lever doorknobs and
faucets Converting a tub to a curb-less
shower Lowering shelves or kitchen
counter tops It is each person’s responsibility to
pay and arrange for whatever modifications they are requesting. A housing provider can require a deposit to be
used to restore the unit back to its original condition when it’s time to be
rented or sold. They can also require architectural
drawings showing that the work complies with all state and local building codes. If you think your rights have been violated, the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form is available for you to download,
complete and return, or complete online and submit, or you may write HUD a
letter, or telephone the HUD Office nearest you. You have one year after an
alleged violation to file a complaint with HUD, but you should file as soon
as possible. What to Tell HUD:
HomeSmart LLC |
Updates on Technology
| Posted on February 19, 2012 at 10:21 AM |
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There’s so
much new technology in the marketplace aimed at the aging in place market that’s
it’s difficult to keep up. Every few months though, I spend time researching some of
the newest software and gadgets that
have recently made their debut - specifically those designed to help seniors living on their
own and their remote caregivers keep in touch. Not
surprisingly there has been a growing number of applications available for use
with smartphones and tablets. Here are a
couple:  SwannView is a video monitoring solution that works on virtually any Smartphone or Tablet without the need for a computer or webcam. The Swann Security kit (cost: $449) includes
four color cameras and a digital video recorder to record up to 30 days of
video from all four cameras simultaneously.
SwannView works over wi-fi or cellular connectivity on an Android,
iPhone, BlackBerry or any Windows device so you can remotely log in to see a
live, real time view. The cameras are
easily mountable and have an infrared LED night vision feature that allows you
to see up to 65 feet in the dark. You
can set this kit up to send you an email if the cameras detect motion. The iCam app
for iPhone, iPad or iPod touch (cost: $4.99) allows you to monitor multiple
live video and audio feeds over Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity. With a computer and a webcam, you can
visually check- in to make sure all is well.
You can also set up the app to notify you when motion is detected.  Many seniors who live
independently often use a medical alert system to get help in an emergency such
as falling. The problem is that in the past, the majority of these systems
only worked within range of a home based receiving system. When a person was out of their home, they no
longer had on-the-go access to emergency assistance.  Today’s fall detection devices include fall detection
that works away from home and allows other family members to monitor the
whereabouts of the wearer using GPS tracking. ActiveCare’s Personal Assistance Link (PAL) is
a handset offering a range of features to assist people who want to continue
living independently. The device, which
connects via a cellular network, includes a one-click help button to call for
24/7 assistance, a built in fall detector that’s monitored remotely, and GPS. The PAL offers one touch communication to
Care Specialists from anywhere at anytime.
It looks like a cell phone but is
easier to operate with large buttons and quick one-touch access to
family and the 24/7 Care Center. (Cost:$180 activation fee, $60/month service
charge)  The Alzheimer’s
Foundation of American along with
Breadcrumb LLC recently announced a state of the art locater device and
caregiver-friendly monitoring system. This innovative new tracking device – BC
300 GPS Device – is designed specifically for the dementia population and aimed
at immediately and precisely pinpointing a person’s whereabouts. .The
BC300 system works by setting up a virtual fence around a person’s residence
and/or other locations, such as a relative’s home or an adult day care center,
and sends an alert when the wearer leaves that zone. As one of the smallest, most lightweight tracking
devices on the market, the BC300 is strapped around a person’s ankle with a
heavy duty band. Designed with the symptoms of dementia in mind, including
memory loss, confusion and other cognitive loss, the device is not dependent on
the user’s activation. Caregivers can access the wearer’s real time location
24/7 on a Google map via computer or smartphone. In the event the person
wearing the locating device leaves a designated safety zone, an alert is sent
to the Breadcrumb Customer Care Center--as well as up to five caregivers and if
necessary, the proper authorities are contacted . (Cost: $190, $38/mo service charge)As more and more families are caring for older relatives, the need for better ways to share sensitive health information has become obvious. There's many types of information to track, for eg. emergency contacts, details about care-related services or treatments, legal and financial documents, all of which family members in multiple locations may need access to. This past week, CareZone, launched it's new site offering a way to share and manage information associated with caring for another individual. You set up a profile about the person receiving care, list their current medications, sketch out to do lists, add any relevant contacts, share notes and upload files. As the creator of a profile you can give others access which you can also revoke at any time. You might give access to family members who share caregiving responsibilities, professional caregivers or medical staff. The company plans to charge $5/month or $48/yr for each person for whom care is provided. As an introductory offer you can sign up for free until March 15th. President HomeSmart LLC |
Talking to Your Aging Parents
| Posted on February 4, 2012 at 1:10 PM |
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Many of us
are facing the similar issue of getting our aging parent(s) to acknowledge that
they need some help in their home. More
often than not it’s a frustrating “locking of horns” as we try to persuade our
parent that it is no longer safe or feasible for them to live without
assistance, whether it’s help with cleaning and cooking, bill paying, driving,
or any of the normal activities of daily living. The
difficulty starts in even knowing how to approach the subject, let alone meeting all their ready objections. Denial and control are the key elements here, so the objections are multiple and range from “I’m don’t need any help” to “I
don’t want to spend the money.” I’ve had seniors who have been hospitalized
for falling, tell me that they know
for certain they will not fall again and therefore do not need non-slip
flooring or grab bars. They simply will
be more careful. Recently I
spoke with a daughter, who lives in California, about installing some
additional safety aides for her father, a 99 yr old living in Florida. Her dad had been hospitalized three or four
times in the past year for falling and yet refused to use a walker or allow
grab bars to be installed in his home. As
she explained to me, “If there was nothing to help him, that’s one thing. But I’m starting to resent having to drop
everything to jump on a plane and fly cross country to the hospital when there
are options that would help prevent his falls.” My sister, brother, and I have had numerous conversations about the best way to broach the topic
with our own parents. We’ve debated whether,
out of respect we should only gently press an issue or, out of concern we
should push forward to do what needs to be done. I’ve had similar discussions with the adult
kids of my clients. At some point or
another, everyone struggles with how long to beat around the bush before taking
control and forcing a solution. I’ve spoken
to case managers, clinical social workers, psychologists and gerontologists for
some expert guidance in this matter. Their compounded wisdom suggests we consider
the following when trying to help our aging parents: First, don’t
barge in and dictate that which you think needs to be done. Find a
quiet time to talk with your parent and explain why you are concerned. Encourage
their response, stay open minded, and listen carefully. Make the conversation positive and emphasize
that if they are proactive and act before there is a crisis, they stand a
better chance of retaining control and independence. Find out how
you can help them by understanding what options they might be considering and
what their objectives are. Do not push
them to accept your assessment but rather give them sufficient time to form
their own conclusions. Be prepared
to prioritize and negotiate the changes you believe need to be made. Use trusted
advisers or other family members for support.
Sometimes it just takes the right person or personality to allow for a dialogue
without emotionality or defensiveness. Don’t just
state the problem – help them find solutions. Do some research in advance so that you know
what resources and agencies are available in their community. Obtain
contact information, brochures, financial costs, etc. so that your conversation
with your parents can be realistic. Most often
there’s more than one way to handle any given situation. Your parents may be far more ready to listen
if you can present a variety of choices to them, allowing them to make the
decision for their own well being.  Susan Luxenberg President HomeSmart LLC |
Getting Help with Assistive Technology
| Posted on January 12, 2012 at 4:26 PM |
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I think most people would agree that making a
home safe and comfortable can allow an individual to remain at home and retain
independence as they age and their abilities change. Even the smallest renovation can change the
life of someone with a disability and mean the difference between comfort and
discomfort in one’s own home. Grab bars, stairway railings, lever door handles, non-slip coatings to
flooring, and threshold ramps are low cost modifications that greatly improve
safety. More extensive modifications may
include widening doorways, installing elevators, stair and porch lifts,
replacing tubs with walk-in showers, lowering counters and cabinets, and
increasing lighting. Keeping
someone independent, however, often extends beyond making physical changes to a
home. It's not uncommon that additional resources are required both in services and equipment. Assistive Technology devices are a
group of products that improve a person’s ability to live and function
independently. These products can be as
simple as a cane or a weekly pill organizer, or as sophisticated as a
voice-activated computer system or sensor. In fact, the area of assistive technology has grown so quickly and there are so many products and devices available to meet every need, that it can be very confusing to the uninitiated. Categories of Assistive Technology Devices: Independent
Living Aids. These products help people perform activities
of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and preparing meals. They include everything from reaching tools
and jar openers, to shower seats, bed rails, night lights and easy to
read alarm clocks, low vision aids and low hearing aids, neck pillows, back pillows, bluetooth devices -- the list is endless. Medication
Aids. Pill organizers (from the simplest to the
most high tech), timers and pill crushers. Mobility
Aids. Canes, walkers, scooters and wheelchairs, both
manual and electric. Walkers improve
stability and should be tested to ensure they are sturdy, lightweight, at the
correct height for the individual, and can be moved easily. Manual wheelchairs
require some arm strength or leg strength and skill to move the chair while
electric wheelchairs are useful for those who can move around on their own but
lack the strength to wheel themselves. Scooters are useful for those who can
walk very short distances and get around by themselves. Technology.
Advances in computer and phone technology have greatly helped seniors to
live independently while maintaining connection to family, friends and support
services. There are modified phones with
large buttons, headsets, speakerphone capabilities or visual displays. Updated computer technology includes voice
recognition software and modified keyboards.
There is also simplified equipment that allows for email, photos and
other documents without having to use a computer. Crisis
Monitoring. Personal emergency response systems (PERS)
call the appropriate contacts and emergency services when a monitor center is
alerted via an emergency button worn as a pendant, bracelet or belt. Occupancy monitors use pressure sensitive
pads that activate when someone moves to get up. Webcams and other sophisticated computerized systems allow for long distance monitoring for distant family members. Most of
these products are available at drug stores or medical supply stores and
you also can easily browse online for products. And
while some assistive devices are paid for by Medicaire, ie walkers, wheelchairs
and scooters if prescribed by a physician when determined to be medically necessary,
most are not. If you are looking for
funding you’ll need to check Medicaid waiver programs, health insurance, the
Department of Veteran Affairs and some public service organization like United
Way and Easter Seals. If you are uncertain exactly what products or equipment
to choose, there are a few agencies which keep a complete list of assistive technology devices and can help you determine which is right for your
particular circumstance. In addition to
the national programs, every state has a State technology assistance project
that has information about assistive technology, financial assistance to purchase
equipment, and loan programs. ABLEDATA can connect you with someone in your state. For more information, you can contact: ABLEDATA 800 - 227 - 0216 Center for Assistive Technology 800 - 726 - 9119  Susan Luxenberg President HomeSmart LLC |
V.A. Housing Grants for Veterans
| Posted on November 1, 2011 at 3:50 PM |
comments (622)
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The question
frequently comes up as to how to pay for accessibility modifications, especially
more major ones like a fully adapted bathroom or kitchen. Unfortunately, other than long term care
insurance and personal savings there’s little out there today to help defray the
cost of renovating a home in order to create a barrier free environment. There is,
however, money available for Veterans. Veterans or
service members who have specific service-connected disabilities may be
entitled to a grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the
purpose of constructing a barrier free home or modifying an existing home to meet
their special needs. The Specially
Adapted Housing Grant (SAH), or a 2010(a) grant, is intended for disabled
veterans. The goal of the SAH Program is
to provide a living environment that affords the veterans or
service members a level of independent living he or she may not normally enjoy. The grant is
meant to offset the cost of specially adapted housing and offers up to half of
the cost of the purchase, construction, or renovation of the house to a maximum
amount of $50,000. If the maximum grant
is not used all at once, a second grant can be obtained for future adaptive
modifications. For example, if the total
cost of adapting a home is $80,000, the maximum grant would be for 50% of the
$80,000 or $40,000. The veteran could,
at a later date, claim another grant of $10,000 for the repair of the
adaptations done originally, or for the installation of additional adaptations,
or towards the purchase, construction, or adaptation of another home. According to VA requirements, those eligible
for the grant are those entitled to or currently receiving VA compensation for
what the Department of Veteran Affairs defines as permanent and total service
connected disability. Eligibility must
first be determined before an application for the Grant can be made. Some of the requirements in determining
eligibility include: 1. It must be medically feasible for the
veteran or service member to reside in the house. 2. The house must be adapted to be
suitable to the veteran’s needs for living purposes. 3. It must be financially feasible for
the veteran to acquire the house with the assistance provided by the Grant. The types of
adaptations covered include ramps, lifts, widened doorways and hallways,
expanding garages and carports to allow for wheelchair maneuverability,
accessible bathrooms, adjusting placement of wall switches and electrical
outlets, windows that are operable from a wheelchair, automatically operated
entry and garage doors, kitchen adaptations, modifying exterior walkways and
entrances. The following are pictures of projects completed under the SAH grant program.  Modified Kitchen with new cabinets, counters, flooring and window  Fully adapted bathroom  Carport addition The Special Housing Adaptations (SHA) program, or
2101(b) grant, provides the actual cost to the veteran of certain adaptations
and/or equipment, not to exceed a maximum grant of $10,000. The home to be
adapted must be owned by the veteran or by a member of the veteran's family,
and the veteran must intend to continue residing there. Types of renovations covered depend on the
specific disability and include special lighting, sliding doors, handrails,
grab bars, smoke detectors, security systems, exterior doors and locks,
concrete or asphalt walkways, fencing,
porches, awnings, additional electrical, lever faucets, lowered
cabinets, rocker light switches and other adaptations with the approval of the
VA. Here are a couple of pictures of projects completed under the SHA program.  Bermed walkway and front porch  Enlarged doorway and pocket door The Temporary Residence Adaptations (TRA) program
provides adaptation assistance to veterans who are residing, but do not intend
to permanently reside, in the a residence owned by a family member. If a
veteran is otherwise eligible for SAH, the assistance is limited to $14,000. If
a veteran is otherwise eligible for SHA, the assistance is limited to $2,000. SAH and SHA grants may be used up to three times,
as long as the aggregate grant amount does not exceed the statutory dollar
limitation. TRA grants may only be used once (and count as a grant usage for
purposes of the limit of three), and the amount of assistance provided will be
subtracted from the veteran's available statutory maximum.
 Susan Luxenberg President HomeSmart LLC |
What is a Geriatric Care Manager?
| Posted on September 4, 2011 at 12:22 PM |
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Aging Baby Boomers themselves may be a bit young for the services of a Geriatric Care Manager, but there are many Boomers who are arranging care for an elderly parent or
relative. If you've ever been in the position of searching for information about resources in a community for the elderly, you already know that the task can be overwhelming and difficult - especially from out of town. Geriatric
Care Managers are educated listeners who can provide an individualized road map
for dealing with all the issues associated with aging. As
per the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM), a professional Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) is
a health and human services specialist who helps families who are caring for
older relatives. The GCM is trained and experienced in any of several fields
related to care management, including nursing, gerontology, social work, or
psychology and has extensive knowledge about the cost, quality and availability of elder services in the community. GCM's are experts in helping families determine what kind of help an older adult
needs and can assist in planning and coordinating whatever help is required. The
services they provide include:
Geriatric
care managers often bridge the gap between ongoing independent living and more
full-time care such as home health aides or assisted living. Their role is essential when there are
numerous decisions to be made, the person is in the midst of a crisis or at a
crossroads such as a hospitalization. GCM’s
also serve to buffer some of the emotional stress that occurs in a crisis and
help a family work towards a unified solution. This
is yet another case where Medicare or Medicaid does not pay for the service,
and long-term care coverage varies widely. Most agencies charge an hourly rate of between
$60 to $300 per hour depending on the part of the country. And while these fees
can be pricey, sometimes a single consultation,
where the family can become educated about their options, is all that’s
needed. You can find Geriatric Care Managers through the Area Agency on Aging in a community, hospitals, senior centers, geriatric assessment centers, or non-profit agencies serving families. You can also call the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Mangers at 520-881-8008  Susan LuxenbergPresident HomeSmart LLC |