The professional title of "Geriatric Care
Manager" or "GCM" only partially describes the
role I play with clients and family members. As a GCM, I plan
and facilitate the caregiving process, which involves managing
the realm of health care professionals, agency, or facility caregivers,
as well as family members and friends, surrounding the elder in
need. I also work with families who are
in a state of conflict or crisis finding a workable resolution
for their elder-care situation.
On an ongoing basis, I serve as the care manager
to clients in Western Massachusetts. These clients might have
local family members who are overwhelmed by managing both the
care of their relative and their own lives. Others of my elderly
clients have caring family members who live at a distance or have
no involved family. I also serve as an advocate for hospital patients
and residents of nursing homes or assisted-living facilities,
addressing the ongoing needs of my clients.
In many cases an elderly or disabled client chooses
to live at home. I engage these clients and their families or
caregivers in the process of identifying needs and then plan and
implement the necessary home care. I also monitor a client's progress
and address ongoing health and mental health needs, as doing so
is vital for clients who live at home.
I frequently arrange, transport, and accompany
my clients to medical appointments. At medical visits, I assist
my clients in clearly presenting their problems and symptoms,
in order to ensure that their health care is efficiently, effectively,
and carefully provided. After these appointments I assist with
any follow-up measures, such as prescription medicines, further
tests, appointments with other providers, and of course reporting
back to concerned family members and professionals, often by e-mail.
Please contact me about GCM services on a one-time,
short-term, or ongoing basis.
