A
New Strategy to Meet the Needs of the Elderly
by Alan Lipton
Geriatric Care Management:
Getting
older isn't what it used to be. There was a time when senior members
of the community lived amongst their extended family, relying on
their children or grandchildren for support. But as the Baby Boomer
generation pushes the population's media age higher and higher,
and as each generation seems to move farther and farther from its
geographical roots, the act of younger generations caring for their
elderly relatives is becoming less common. Nowadays, the elderly
must find alternative ways to receive the type of care they need,
though many seniors are reluctant to move into retirement homes
or assisted living facilities.
This
demographic shift and the elderly's general aversion to retirement
homes point to the need for something called geriatric care management.
Once the unpaid job of a relative, neighbor, or community member
with a heart of gold, this emerging profession serves a growing
population of seniors with a blend of social work, psychology, gerontology
and advocacy. When younger family members are too distant or busy
to help their elders adapt to declining health or ability, someone
has to do the job. That person must have a case-by-case understanding
of what options are practical, what resources are available, and
how to connect clients with the services they need. He or she must
have the personality to invite confidence and the resilience to
be there for minor or major emergencies.
If
you're considering a career as a geriatric care manager (GCM), you
should be proficient in six areas:
*
Assessing your client means evaluating his or her medical, social
and economic situation. Does this person show signs of dementia?
Is there a support network, and is it reliable? Is home care an
affordable option over a move to assisted living? Many of the decisions
facing your client's family members will be the basis of your assessment.
*
Planning involves setting goals that are both optimal and realistic
for your client, and that will maximize available resources. As
a case manager working for a family, you must respect your clients'
wishes and ideas.
*
For implementation of these goals, be available and ready to intervene,
whether dealing with current crises or preventing them from happening.
*
Through coordination, you connect your client to any appropriate
services, such as medical care or home assistance programs.
*
Monitoring your client's ongoing care means that you're the liaison
between all members of the team you've assembled.
*
Evaluation is similar to your first assessment, but as an ongoing
view from an insider's perspective. Now that your client is on track
toward a specific goal, it's your job to determine his or her progress
and whether those goals might need to change.
This
can be a demanding workload, especially if you're handling anywhere
from five to 30 simultaneous cases. But when you consider that GCMs'
average hourly rate is $74, with some established professionals
charging up to $200 and billing in 15-minute increments, it's easy
to see the advantages of entering this growing profession.
While
there are no legal requirements for establishing a GCM practice,
at the minimum you should have an understanding of gerontology,
whether through previous professional background or extensive self-study.
You should also be familiar with the legal and financial realities
of the elderly, and know how to best focus your motivational and
conflict resolution techniques. There are many ways to build your
skill set, although a comprehensive approach will save time and
money.
Consider,
for instance, the online certificate program in Geriatric Care Management
from Kaplan University's School of Continuing and Professional Studies,
which is recommended for health and human services professionals
actively interested in this evolving sector of the health care industry.
During Kaplan's 12-month, non-credit program, you'll work through
seven courses that should provide all the information you'll need.
Introduction
to Geriatric Care Management begins with a professional overview
of what this market demands and what you'll require to succeed in
it.
Aging
as a Reality approaches the science of gerontology Here you'll learn
about age's physical and mental effects on the human system, along
with medical intervention, cultural perceptions and public policy.
Psychosocial
Issues in Aging examines how elderly people handle grief, isolation,
family dynamics, sexuality, change and hope.
Balancing
Age and Independence addresses how, as a GCM, you can build the
support systems that will allow seniors to continue living on their
own or to transition with comfort and dignity into an assisted living
situation.
Financial
Considerations of the Elderly explores the world of investments,
pensions and retirement plans, the maze of Medicare and other public
assistance programs, and practical concerns such as housing and
long-term care.
Legal
and Ethical Issues in Geriatric Care Management discusses elder
abuse or neglect, and end-of-life decisions. GCMs will also learn
about mandatory reporting laws in the states where they intend to
practice.
Successful
Aging introduces health and wellness strategies, empowerment, adjustment
to change, and the positive trends among an aging population in
a youth-oriented culture.
Kaplan
University, headquartered in Davenport, IA, operates 69 campuses
in 16 states and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The GCM
certificate program, launched in December 2004, is the latest addition
to Kaplan's Health Care Pathways series. You can participate from
anywhere in the world with a personal computer, email and web access,
and the ability to handle MS Word documents. During the recommended
8 to 12 hours of weekly study time, online message board discussions
will put you on equal footing with your fellow students. Instructors
can easily monitor your progress through the coursework, and you'll
have access to faculty members and academic advisers throughout
the program.
With
the American population living longer and the elderly requiring
a more integrated approach to their care than ever before, certificate
programs like Kaplan University's Geriatric Care Management program
play a large role in preparing the workforce to handle this growing
need. At the same time, it empowers its graduates to jumpstart a
great career while making a big difference in the lives of elderly
persons who can use a helping hand.
About
the Author
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