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How
to Choose a GCM
When looking for a GCM, the Federal Trade Commission,
in partnership with AARP, suggests the following screening questions:
"Ask about candidates' training, education and background in care
management and geriatrics."
I hold a Master's Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University, and also hold a LICSW. Prior to
beginning
my GCM career, I served as a hospital social worker, where I first became
interested in
elder issues. I began my Geriatric Care Management career in 1992. I
established the
current name for my care management and coaching firm, Coaching Caregivers LLC,
in
2003. A more detailed biography is available here.
Also, do not underestimate the importance of 24-hour service.
A care manager's ability to be responsive is important. I can
be reached on my cellular phone on a 24-hour basis, and check
e-mail often. My office voicemail is confidential, listened to
only by myself.
"Determine the scope of the GCM's practice."
Coaching Caregivers LLC provides programs, products and services
to caregivers who live and work across the nation. I particularly
enjoy sharing solutions with those who have the desire to begin
or resume personal and professional achievement, outside of their
role as caregiver. As both a care manager and a coach, I serve
as an advisor, planner, and manager to elders, family members,
and others on a short- or long-term basis.
My hospital background and fourteen years of GCM experience have
taught me how to best work with facility administrators and managers.
One of my favorite parts of my job is negotiating with the staff
members at facilities, while also being empathetic and understanding
of older, sometimes difficult, people. I see myself as a diplomat,
smoothing the bonds between families, facilities, and the person
who requires care.
"Investigate the GCM's track record and reputation."
"Jim Ferry helped me and my brother through a very difficult period in our
mother's
struggle with Alzheimer's disease. As she made the progression from being able
to fend
for herself as she had done for over 25 years, to being considered an 'elder at
risk' by
health care professionals, Jim was very helpful in sorting out how to get her
the care she
needed and still satisfy her exacting standards. Jim's knowledge of and
experience with
Alzheimer's helped us to sort out what was really happening from thousands of
miles
away. Jim was excellent about communicating with us and the other's involved
in our
mother's care. And he does it all in a warm, unassuming way that makes you feel
you are
dealing with a friend rather than a hired professional. Thanks, Jim." -- C.C.,
Madrid,
Spain
"As a long distance caregiver, hiring Jim Ferry was the best step I took in
caring for
my ailing father. Jim was phenomenal. His strengths included superb people
skills,
analytics, and a knowledge of the eldercare bureaucracy. Jim never wavered in
his
commitment to find the best solutions for my father, as we went from assisted
living to
skilled nursing and eventually home with 24/7 care. Most importantly, Jim
treated my
father with the utmost warmth and respect, got to know what made him 'tick,'
and
became his trusted friend." -- Barbara, Bethesda, MD
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