Two men carrying clipboards posing as door-to-door salesmen knocked on the door of the elderly couple’s Calgary home. When the door opened, they burst in, demanding valuables, and then left them barely alive – fleeing with little of value.
Simply give security products to your parents or grandparents, install them yourself, and teach your loved ones how to use them.
Read more on elderly safety - click here.
December 14, 2012
BeClose
Whether you are across the street or across the country, BeClose provides a safety net so that seniors can continue to live independently. BeClose gives you the information you need, so you know your loved one is safe – without making them turn their lives upside down.
MedicAlert® and Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return®
MedicAlert® + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return® is a nationwide wanderer's safety program created by the Alzheimer's Association that assists in the safe and timely return of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias who wander and become lost.
November 30, 2012
Elderly man scammed for thousands
A government report released this month described elder financial exploitation as an "epidemic with societywide repercussions." While this type of fraud is woefully underreported and often overlooked, officials estimate that Americans 65 and older are taken for nearly $3 billion a year.
Click here to read the entire article.
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Click here to read the entire article.
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November 21, 2012
Do your parents need a manager?
Geriatric care managers—who often come from backgrounds in nursing, psychology, or social work—coordinate many aspects of their older clients’ care, from hiring home health aides to navigating public benefits and helping in emergencies.
Click here to read the article in the Wall Street Journal about Geriatric Care Managers.
Click here to read the article in the Wall Street Journal about Geriatric Care Managers.
October 26, 2012
A Great Prescription for Living Longer.
There’s an expression; “Friends- you can’t live with them and you can’t live without them.” It appears that the latter is very true. Research proves that close connections to friends and family helps foster better health in seniors. Did you know that loneliness contributes to a significant decline in function and premature death in adults over 60? Equally important is that it’s not necessarily the number of friends you have, but more the quality of the relationships that really matter.
Loneliness in our seniors is a topic that’s close to my heart as I’ve witnessed this first hand. I’ve found a number of insightful articles on Loneliness and the Elderly including one from the University of Michigan that I’ve posted here to give a well-rounded perspective on such a serious topic, plus some peace of mind in what you need to know.
Loneliness in our seniors is a topic that’s close to my heart as I’ve witnessed this first hand. I’ve found a number of insightful articles on Loneliness and the Elderly including one from the University of Michigan that I’ve posted here to give a well-rounded perspective on such a serious topic, plus some peace of mind in what you need to know.
October 17, 2012
Loneliness Widespread Among the Elderly
The size of people's social circles didn't matter as much as the quality of the interactions with particular individuals. Having a few close friends or family, with whom a person could visit often, was more important than a wider range of more casual friends. Find out more from the University of Michigan study and this topic. Click here for more.
Loneliness and The Elderly: Dying of a Broken Heart
“We have all heard of spouses that die within a few months of each other and I have always believed that profound loneliness and sadness must follow the loss of a lifetime partner. I believe that this loneliness played a role in my grandmother’s demise.” – Dr. Kevin R. Campbell, MD, FAAC
Click here to find out more.
Click here to find out more.
Loneliness is “Hidden Killer” of Elderly
Loneliness is the "hidden killer" of elderly people, says a campaign group, which is calling for greater recognition of the link between isolation and ill health.
The campaign says that almost one in 10 elderly people suffers from "intense" loneliness. Read the entire article here.
The campaign says that almost one in 10 elderly people suffers from "intense" loneliness. Read the entire article here.
Combating Loneliness in Seniors
There is good news. Because isolation has been identified as a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality in older adults, extensive research has been conducted to find ways to prevent it. There are strategies proven to help elevate moods and stave off feelings of isolation and loneliness. The following are a few ideas that can help seniors combat loneliness by seeking out and forming friendships within their lives.
Read more on combating loneliness in seniors here.
Read more on combating loneliness in seniors here.
September 11, 2012
August 21, 2012
STARTing and STOPPing Medications in the Elderly
Click this link for the chart of potentially inappropriate medications, their therapeutic alternatives, and medications to consider initiating in the elderly that incorporates the STOPP and START criteria. Use these lists to identify red flags that might require intervention, not as the final word on medication appropriateness; look at the total patient picture.
(PL Detail-Document, STARTing and STOPPing Medications in the Elderly, Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter. September 2011.)
(PL Detail-Document, STARTing and STOPPing Medications in the Elderly, Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter. September 2011.)
August 17, 2012
ARMOR: A Tool to Evaluate Polypharmacy in Elderly Persons
Some current strategies available to address this complex issue include “START” (Screening Tool to Alert doctors to the Right Treatment) and “STOPP” (Screening Tool of Older Person’s potentially inappropriate Prescriptions) criteria. Read the entire article here.
August 16, 2012
How to avoid polypharmacy
Patients, physicians and pharmacists can work together to help prevent the
problems that might occur if an older adult is taking several medications. Read more here.
problems that might occur if an older adult is taking several medications. Read more here.
Multiple medications: Growing “polypharmacy” problem
(CBSNews) Problems with taking multiple drugs are not limited to drug abusers. In the last 10 years, the percentage of people over 60 who take five or more medications has jumped from 22 percent to 37 percent. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook looks into the risks. Click on this link to find out more and also view this important video news segment.
A Bitter Pill
"Medical treatment of elderly people is not working. Worse, it is often harmful", says author Dr. John Sloan, a family physician who has worked primarily with the elderly for more than twenty years. In A Bitter Pill, he examines why medical treatment from modern medicine’s one-size-fits-all prevention strategy to hospital stays that don’t benefit anyone is failing them and identifies solutions to the problem. Find out more from Dr. John Sloan and this topic.
Check out this link for more.
A Bitter Pill: How the Medical System is Failing the Elderly is a much-needed wake-up call alerting us to how we’re treating older patients. I’ve also attached a link to his book to find out more on this topic. Plus, there’s also an audio clip posted that you can download with compelling commentary from Dr. John Sloan.
Click here
Check out this link for more.
A Bitter Pill: How the Medical System is Failing the Elderly is a much-needed wake-up call alerting us to how we’re treating older patients. I’ve also attached a link to his book to find out more on this topic. Plus, there’s also an audio clip posted that you can download with compelling commentary from Dr. John Sloan.
Click here
August 8, 2012
7 Top Reasons Why Boomers Need a Geriatric Care Manager!
by Diane Hischke, R.N., M.S.N., C.M.C.
Founder, President and Professional Geriatric Care Manager
The more we know and the more informed we are, the better choices and decisions we can make. The same principle applies to my work as a Professional Geriatric Care Manager or PGCM, as we call ourselves. And, speaking of awareness, May was National Geriatric Care Manager Month!
Professional Geriatric Care Managers plan and coordinate the care of the elderly and disabled to improve their quality of life and maintain their independence as long as possible. That's what we do at Serving Seniors.
We're trained and experienced in many fields, including nursing, social work, and psychology with specialized focus on all issues related to aging and care for the elderly. We assist older adults so they can get the best care possible, and become an experienced guide and valuable resource for families or elderly loved ones, including those suffering from Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's, or showing symptoms of dementia.
Many people aren't aware that there's an organization called the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. This is important to know because Geriatric Care Managers who are members are committed to adhering to the NAPGCM Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Unfortunately, not every Geriatric Care Manager belongs to this organization, which can lead to unprofessional results and negative consequences for the people who employ their services in good faith.
I'm proud to say that Serving Seniors has a team of professionals all of whom are members of this association; and we're recognized as one of 33 Fellow Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA, as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.
Here are some proven ways to determine if you need a Professional Geriatric Care Manager. Take an honest assessment to see if you have the time, desire, and skills to manage the many challenges of geriatric care by yourself. Talking to family members and consulting with a professional are great ways to start. Are the problems that you or your loved ones are facing becoming more than you can comfortably manage? Are the demands and responsibilities so great that you're not able to provide the right care and attention to your loved one's problems? If so, it's time to get the right help for you and your loved one. Here are the benefits of using a Professional Geriatric Care Manager.
Article published in the August, 2012 edition of The American Senior Gazette.
Founder, President and Professional Geriatric Care Manager
Professional Geriatric Care Managers plan and coordinate the care of the elderly and disabled to improve their quality of life and maintain their independence as long as possible. That's what we do at Serving Seniors.
We're trained and experienced in many fields, including nursing, social work, and psychology with specialized focus on all issues related to aging and care for the elderly. We assist older adults so they can get the best care possible, and become an experienced guide and valuable resource for families or elderly loved ones, including those suffering from Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's, or showing symptoms of dementia.
Many people aren't aware that there's an organization called the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. This is important to know because Geriatric Care Managers who are members are committed to adhering to the NAPGCM Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Unfortunately, not every Geriatric Care Manager belongs to this organization, which can lead to unprofessional results and negative consequences for the people who employ their services in good faith.
I'm proud to say that Serving Seniors has a team of professionals all of whom are members of this association; and we're recognized as one of 33 Fellow Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA, as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.
Here are some proven ways to determine if you need a Professional Geriatric Care Manager. Take an honest assessment to see if you have the time, desire, and skills to manage the many challenges of geriatric care by yourself. Talking to family members and consulting with a professional are great ways to start. Are the problems that you or your loved ones are facing becoming more than you can comfortably manage? Are the demands and responsibilities so great that you're not able to provide the right care and attention to your loved one's problems? If so, it's time to get the right help for you and your loved one. Here are the benefits of using a Professional Geriatric Care Manager.
- Evaluate needs and develop a personalized Plan of Care
- Help to establish and maintain an independent lifestyle
- Arrange and oversee Home Care Services
- Assist with the transition to assisted living and nursing home care
- Manage care and coordinate with health care providers
- Educate, advise and support the caregiver
- Serve as a local resource for long-distance caregivers
Article published in the August, 2012 edition of The American Senior Gazette.
July 20, 2012
Alanna Shaikh: How I'm preparing to get Alzheimer's
When faced with a parent suffering from Alzheimer's, most of us respond with denial ("It won't happen to me") or extreme efforts at prevention. But global health expert and TED Fellow Alanna Shaikh sees it differently. She's taking three concrete steps to prepare for the moment. Click here to view the video
July 13, 2012
Serving Seniors Celebrates Independence Everyday
On July 4th, our country celebrates Independence Day. A day where we celebrate our country’s freedoms, our rights and liberties as citizens. What would happen if our freedoms and independence were taken away from us? For the elderly, that happens everyday. While caring for an elderly person, you want to do what’s best, but it’s hard to know at times what that is. If you’re the caregiver, you’re responsible for the health of that person plus you make decisions about their well-being. If that person is a member of your family, it’s becomes much harder to deal with. Because you have history with that person, knowing what they were like before they became dependent on you may actually affect your judgement. Independence for the elderly is not only physical freedom, it’s also mental, which is equally important.
A person’s independence is one of the most important attributes any person can possess and you should do all you can within your power to encourage independence of an elderly person in your care, whether it’s physical or mental. When a person loses their independence, they often lose the will to live. To help promote their independence, encourage the person in your care to do as much as they can for themselves.
By encouraging independence for your elderly loved one gives them a sense of pride and achievement. It will make them feel that they are not dependent on help from you or others and that they can still do something for themselves - no matter how small it may seem to you. Things like brushing their hair, writing letters, making phone calls, selecting what to wear that day, or doing some ironing, gives an incredible sense of accomplishment and independence.
However, if someone has everything done for them, it may mean that they will lose their sense of independence and, in some circumstances, it can lead to a less than positive reaction toward you or the care-giver, so, handle with care. Professional Geriatric Care Managers (PCGM’s) can offer great advice and guidance on what to do and what not to do. If you are trying a new activity with the elderly person in your care, make sure you supervise closely to make sure that they can’t do themselves any harm. Getting help from a PCGM can help you decide if an activity is suitable, especially if you have no previous expertise of caring for an elderly person.
This care with the goal of independence can form the foundation of your relationship with the elderly person under your supervision. They will appreciate that you are seeing them as individuals still capable of making a contribution to society and the world they live in. The may be reluctant at first, but when they see that you value their independence, they will appreciate you even more. That adds to a strong bonding relationship.
Serving Seniors Professional Geriatric Care Managers has a team of professional nurses and social workers trained in all areas of elder care. We’re committed to ensuring your elderly loved one receives the best care while maintaining their independence, plus the compassion and quality of life they deserve.
You and your family deserve the best. Serving Seniors is one of the 32 Fellow Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.
Explore our services and take advantage of our free senior care resources at our website for more information.
Call us at 877.375.SENIORS or contact us by e-mail. Enjoy your independence and help your elderly loved one enjoy theirs.
Thanks,
Diane
A person’s independence is one of the most important attributes any person can possess and you should do all you can within your power to encourage independence of an elderly person in your care, whether it’s physical or mental. When a person loses their independence, they often lose the will to live. To help promote their independence, encourage the person in your care to do as much as they can for themselves.
By encouraging independence for your elderly loved one gives them a sense of pride and achievement. It will make them feel that they are not dependent on help from you or others and that they can still do something for themselves - no matter how small it may seem to you. Things like brushing their hair, writing letters, making phone calls, selecting what to wear that day, or doing some ironing, gives an incredible sense of accomplishment and independence.
However, if someone has everything done for them, it may mean that they will lose their sense of independence and, in some circumstances, it can lead to a less than positive reaction toward you or the care-giver, so, handle with care. Professional Geriatric Care Managers (PCGM’s) can offer great advice and guidance on what to do and what not to do. If you are trying a new activity with the elderly person in your care, make sure you supervise closely to make sure that they can’t do themselves any harm. Getting help from a PCGM can help you decide if an activity is suitable, especially if you have no previous expertise of caring for an elderly person.
This care with the goal of independence can form the foundation of your relationship with the elderly person under your supervision. They will appreciate that you are seeing them as individuals still capable of making a contribution to society and the world they live in. The may be reluctant at first, but when they see that you value their independence, they will appreciate you even more. That adds to a strong bonding relationship.
Serving Seniors Professional Geriatric Care Managers has a team of professional nurses and social workers trained in all areas of elder care. We’re committed to ensuring your elderly loved one receives the best care while maintaining their independence, plus the compassion and quality of life they deserve.
You and your family deserve the best. Serving Seniors is one of the 32 Fellow Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.
Explore our services and take advantage of our free senior care resources at our website for more information.
Call us at 877.375.SENIORS or contact us by e-mail. Enjoy your independence and help your elderly loved one enjoy theirs.
Thanks,
Diane
June 21, 2012
My Mother,Your Mother
"Slow Medicine is just this caring process of slowing down, being patient, coordinating care, and remaining faithful to the end. Families necessarily bear the greatest responsibility in surmounting difficulties to create this bond of trust and security for their loved ones.”
Find out what people are saying about Dr. Dennis McCullough and his latest book. Check out the link for more
Find out what people are saying about Dr. Dennis McCullough and his latest book. Check out the link for more
The “Slow Medicine” Approach to Compassionate Care
Describing the importance of observing and being sensitive to our elders’ needs, Dr. McCullough outlined the Eight Stations of Late Life as a way to understand the changes they are going through. To read the entire article, click here
Taking care of the Elderly Person or Elderly People with Compassion
It started out only as a job.... but ended up much more than that.
I began working for our Local Council as what was classified as a Home Carer. This position was primarily to help people with health problems, or other reasons to stay in their own homes. Read the entire blog post here
I began working for our Local Council as what was classified as a Home Carer. This position was primarily to help people with health problems, or other reasons to stay in their own homes. Read the entire blog post here
May 9, 2012
May is National Geriatric Care Manager Month
The more we know and the more informed we are, the make better choices and decisions we can make. The same principal applies to my work as a Professional Geriatric Care Manager or PGCM as we call ourselves. And speaking of awareness, May is National Geriatric Care Manager Month!
Professional Geriatric Care Managers plan and coordinate the care of the elderly and disabled to improve their quality of life and maintain their independence as long as possible. That’s what we do at Serving Seniors. We’re trained and experienced in many fields including nursing, social work, and psychology with specialized focus on all issues related to aging and care for the elderly. We assist older adults so they can get the best care possible and become an experienced guide and valuable resource for families or elderly loved ones, including those suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s, or showing symptoms of dementia.
Many people aren’t aware that there’s an organization called the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. This is important to know because Geriatric Care Managers who are members, are committed to adhering to the NAPGCM Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Unfortunately, not every Geriatric Care Manager belongs to this organization which can lead to unprofessional results and negative consequences for the people who employ their services in good faith. I’m proud to say that Serving Seniors has a team of professionals all of whom are members of this association, and we’re recognized as one of 33 Fellow Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.
Here are some proven ways to determine if you need a Professional Geriatric Care Manager. Take an honest assessment to see if you have the time, desire, and skills to manage the many challenges of geriatric care by yourself. Talking to family members and consulting with a professional are great ways to start. Are the problems that you or your loved ones are facing becoming more than you can comfortably manage? Are the demands and responsibilities so great that you’re not able to provide the right care and attention to your loved one’s problems? If so, it’s time to get the right help for you and your loved one. Here are the benefits of using a Professional Geriatric Care Manager.
● Evaluate needs and develop a personalized Plan of Care
● Help to establish and maintain an independent lifestyle
● Arrange and oversee Home Care Services
● Assist with the transition to assisted living and nursing home care
● Manage care and coordinate with health care providers
● Educate, advise and support the caregiver
● Serve as a local resource for long-distance caregivers
Serving Seniors Professional Geriatric Care Managers are committed to ensuring your loved one receives the absolutely best care, compassion, and quality of life they deserve. We provide welcome peace of mind to seniors, their families, and other representatives such as attorneys and guardians. Every decision matters in the care for your elderly loved ones and poor decisions affect everyone. We invite you to explore our services and take advantage of our free senior care resources on our website.
Call us at 877.375.SENIORS (877.375.7364), or contact us by e-mail. You’ll be glad you did.
Thanks,
Diane
Professional Geriatric Care Managers plan and coordinate the care of the elderly and disabled to improve their quality of life and maintain their independence as long as possible. That’s what we do at Serving Seniors. We’re trained and experienced in many fields including nursing, social work, and psychology with specialized focus on all issues related to aging and care for the elderly. We assist older adults so they can get the best care possible and become an experienced guide and valuable resource for families or elderly loved ones, including those suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s, or showing symptoms of dementia.
Many people aren’t aware that there’s an organization called the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. This is important to know because Geriatric Care Managers who are members, are committed to adhering to the NAPGCM Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Unfortunately, not every Geriatric Care Manager belongs to this organization which can lead to unprofessional results and negative consequences for the people who employ their services in good faith. I’m proud to say that Serving Seniors has a team of professionals all of whom are members of this association, and we’re recognized as one of 33 Fellow Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.
Here are some proven ways to determine if you need a Professional Geriatric Care Manager. Take an honest assessment to see if you have the time, desire, and skills to manage the many challenges of geriatric care by yourself. Talking to family members and consulting with a professional are great ways to start. Are the problems that you or your loved ones are facing becoming more than you can comfortably manage? Are the demands and responsibilities so great that you’re not able to provide the right care and attention to your loved one’s problems? If so, it’s time to get the right help for you and your loved one. Here are the benefits of using a Professional Geriatric Care Manager.
● Evaluate needs and develop a personalized Plan of Care
● Help to establish and maintain an independent lifestyle
● Arrange and oversee Home Care Services
● Assist with the transition to assisted living and nursing home care
● Manage care and coordinate with health care providers
● Educate, advise and support the caregiver
● Serve as a local resource for long-distance caregivers
Serving Seniors Professional Geriatric Care Managers are committed to ensuring your loved one receives the absolutely best care, compassion, and quality of life they deserve. We provide welcome peace of mind to seniors, their families, and other representatives such as attorneys and guardians. Every decision matters in the care for your elderly loved ones and poor decisions affect everyone. We invite you to explore our services and take advantage of our free senior care resources on our website.
Call us at 877.375.SENIORS (877.375.7364), or contact us by e-mail. You’ll be glad you did.
Thanks,
Diane
April 30, 2012
The Compassionate Life: Walking the Path of Kindness
"The Compassionate Life: Walking the Path of Kindness" is another book I recommend after attending a lecture by it's author Marc Ian Barasch at the NAPGCM conference in Seattle. The following is an excerpt from his website www.compassionatelife.com:
With a keen balance of hope and skepticism, Marc Barasch sets out on a journey to the heart of compassion, discovering its power to change who we are and the society we have become. ... With unfailing curiosity, Barasch poses vital questions: What can we learn from exceptionally empathetic people? Can we increase our compassion quotient with practice? ... What if the great driving force of our evolution were actually "survival of the kindest"? Click here to read more.
With a keen balance of hope and skepticism, Marc Barasch sets out on a journey to the heart of compassion, discovering its power to change who we are and the society we have become. ... With unfailing curiosity, Barasch poses vital questions: What can we learn from exceptionally empathetic people? Can we increase our compassion quotient with practice? ... What if the great driving force of our evolution were actually "survival of the kindest"? Click here to read more.
April 24, 2012
A Bitter Pill: How the Medical System is Failing the Elderly
I recently heard John Sloan, MD speak at the NAPGCM conference in Seattle. I highly recommend his book "A Bitter Pill: How the Medical System is Failing the Elderly".
"The medical system is set up to help people, but it does the opposite for most of the people I look after,” writes Dr. John Sloan, a family physician who restricts his practice to housebound, mainly older frail persons." Click here to read more at the nih.gov website.
"What’s worse than the failure of the health care system to adequately care for seniors?" Click here to read the rest of the book description at Amazon.
"The medical system is set up to help people, but it does the opposite for most of the people I look after,” writes Dr. John Sloan, a family physician who restricts his practice to housebound, mainly older frail persons." Click here to read more at the nih.gov website.
"What’s worse than the failure of the health care system to adequately care for seniors?" Click here to read the rest of the book description at Amazon.
"Alive Inside": Documentary examines music's positive effect on the elderly
Henry lives in a nursing home, and he sits hunched over in his wheelchair, every day, barely responding to his caretakers. But a new documentary, “Alive Inside,” captures the transformation that takes place when he and other patients are handed iPods loaded with music from their youth: They become animated
Click here to see the rest of the article
Click here to see the rest of the article
April 11, 2012
The Medicare Appeal process.
This determination of “outpatient status” has greater implications for those insured by Medicare, especially if you should need subacute rehabilitation after your hospital stay. Medicare requires a 3 day INpatient hospital stay before they will cover a stay in a sub acute rehabilitation facility.
Click here to read the entire article.
Click here to read the entire article.
Medicare: Inpatient or Outpatient?
Some Medicare beneficiaries who visit the hospital are getting surprised by big bills because their stays weren't considered inpatient services.The issue arises when a Medicare beneficiary who comes to a hospital is placed in a status called "observation care." Read more.
Are you a Hospital Inpatient or Outpatient? If you have Medicare- ASK!
Did you know that even if you stay in the hospital overnight, you might still be considered an “outpatient”? Your hospital status (whether the hospital considers you an “inpatient” or “outpatient”) affects how much you pay for hospital services.
Medicare Part A. Medicare Part B. Know the Difference.
Being an inpatient or an outpatient affects what you pay and whether you'll qualify for Part A coverage in a skilled nursing facility. Always ask if you’re an inpatient or outpatient.
March 16, 2012
A great way to reduce elderly care costs. Do the math.
Health care has been a hot topic in the media for a while. Making healthcare affordable is on everyone’s radar and new studies give new insights to making health care affordable for the elderly. And research shows that Professional Geriatric Care Managers help keep costs down when treating the elderly, so this is great news.
In an article for the New England Journal of medicine, it stated that one in five seniors are rehospitalized within 30 days of being discharged. What causes big concerns are that only half of the elderly patients discharged receive self-care instructions or see a doctor after they’ve been discharged. This suggests that many hospitalizations could be prevented with proper care and instructions.
This isn’t new information for me, and fortunately, it’s finally being looked at due to concerns about the growing costs of health care under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. It’s now recognized that elderly patients who receive care coordinated in the home by specially trained geriatric care managers, substantially reduce hospitalizations and emergency room admissions by up to 90%.
So very true and here’s why; Professional Geriatric Care Managers become the physician extender in the home setting, while ensuring maximum use of primary care. This can limit and forestall preventable use of emergency room visits and hospitalizations with our elderly loved ones. It’s proven that reducing hospital and emergency room usage leads to improved patient satisfaction, improved quality of life, and reduction of costs for both the healthcare system and the elderly individual. That’s great news for all.
As a Professional Geriatric Care manager, it’s important to fully understand the key components to better care for the elderly. Here are some that we live by;
1. Partnering with the support system of our clients, including family, physicians, hospitals, social services, legal and financial advisors, and other service personnel.
2. Engagement and communication with the entire team while respecting the expertise and leadership of each area of care.
3. A commitment to a consumer-centered perspective and services. This includes lifestyle preferences, faith traditions, available financial resources, and dignity of care.
4. Improving the health comprehension of the patient and his/her support system is important for successful coping so everyone fully understands all that’s going on and knows when to call the Professional Geriatric Care Manager for any concerns that might arise.
5. Ability to Continually adjust the plan of care and surrounding environmental factors based on the daily needs of the elderly patient. Approximately 50% of our time is spent with clients in health education and counseling to cope with health care needs.
There are many other services available in the home including tele-health care monitoring and on-call care management support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our ultimate goal is improved health outcomes, reduced emergency room visits, and decrease in rehospitalizations. Our detailed notes on any interventions assure that the entire team is informed and can become part of the physician’s chart in the primary care setting.
We’re here to help you and your elderly loved ones get the help you need which ultimately is the best for them and you. Serving Seniors offers you peace of mind. We have a team of professionals trained in all areas of elder care and we’re recognized as one of 32 Fellow Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. That truly is peace of mind.
Call us for a consultation so we can help you and your loved ones.
Thanks,
Diane
In an article for the New England Journal of medicine, it stated that one in five seniors are rehospitalized within 30 days of being discharged. What causes big concerns are that only half of the elderly patients discharged receive self-care instructions or see a doctor after they’ve been discharged. This suggests that many hospitalizations could be prevented with proper care and instructions.
This isn’t new information for me, and fortunately, it’s finally being looked at due to concerns about the growing costs of health care under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. It’s now recognized that elderly patients who receive care coordinated in the home by specially trained geriatric care managers, substantially reduce hospitalizations and emergency room admissions by up to 90%.
So very true and here’s why; Professional Geriatric Care Managers become the physician extender in the home setting, while ensuring maximum use of primary care. This can limit and forestall preventable use of emergency room visits and hospitalizations with our elderly loved ones. It’s proven that reducing hospital and emergency room usage leads to improved patient satisfaction, improved quality of life, and reduction of costs for both the healthcare system and the elderly individual. That’s great news for all.
As a Professional Geriatric Care manager, it’s important to fully understand the key components to better care for the elderly. Here are some that we live by;
1. Partnering with the support system of our clients, including family, physicians, hospitals, social services, legal and financial advisors, and other service personnel.
2. Engagement and communication with the entire team while respecting the expertise and leadership of each area of care.
3. A commitment to a consumer-centered perspective and services. This includes lifestyle preferences, faith traditions, available financial resources, and dignity of care.
4. Improving the health comprehension of the patient and his/her support system is important for successful coping so everyone fully understands all that’s going on and knows when to call the Professional Geriatric Care Manager for any concerns that might arise.
5. Ability to Continually adjust the plan of care and surrounding environmental factors based on the daily needs of the elderly patient. Approximately 50% of our time is spent with clients in health education and counseling to cope with health care needs.
There are many other services available in the home including tele-health care monitoring and on-call care management support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our ultimate goal is improved health outcomes, reduced emergency room visits, and decrease in rehospitalizations. Our detailed notes on any interventions assure that the entire team is informed and can become part of the physician’s chart in the primary care setting.
We’re here to help you and your elderly loved ones get the help you need which ultimately is the best for them and you. Serving Seniors offers you peace of mind. We have a team of professionals trained in all areas of elder care and we’re recognized as one of 32 Fellow Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. That truly is peace of mind.
Call us for a consultation so we can help you and your loved ones.
Thanks,
Diane
February 15, 2012
What is Professional Geriatric Care Management?
Professional Geriatric Care Management is the process of planning and coordinating the care of the elderly and disabled to improve their quality of life and maintain their independence as long as possible.
Click here to read the entire article click here.
Click here to read the entire article click here.
What is a Geriatric Care Manager?
A Geriatric Care Manager is a health and human services specialist who helps families who care for older relatives. The Geriatric Care Manager is trained and experienced in any of several fields related to care management, including,
Why Does My Aging Parent Need a Geriatric Care Manager?
When you are considering whether you need the services of a Geriatric Care Manager, you should evaluate whether you have the time, inclination, or skills to manage the challenges of geriatric care by yourself. Read here for more.
What are the Benefits of Using a Geriatric Care Manager?
Professional Geriatric Care Management services are offered in a variety of settings. Geriatric Care Managers can serve the needs of their clients by providing: Read more here.
How Do I Find a Geriatric Care Manager?
The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM) is an organization of practitioners whose goal is the advancement of expert assistance to the elderly and their families. I’m proud to say that I’ve been elected to the National Board of the NAPGCM and Serving Seniors can help you in all areas of qualified elderly care. Click here to find a Care Manager in your area. You can also read the entire article here.
January 24, 2012
No Need for Caregiver Guilt.
Happy New Year! You’ve put on a few unwanted pounds over the holidays and now you feel guilty for enjoying yourself a little too much. So much for the “happy” part. Guilt is a natural reaction when you know you did something you shouldn’t have done. Guilt also plays into our heads when we’ve done everything we should have with all of the right intentions, but somehow, it’s just not enough. Enter the guilt trip which isn’t an enjoyable ride, especially when it comes to caregiving for your elderly parent(s).
Being a caregiver has loads of guilt attached to it but it shouldn’t. It’s not a healthy way to start the new year for you or the elderly parent(s) that you’re caring for. Guilt can cripple you mentally with sadness that you just can’t do enough or that you can’t be there for your elderly parents all of the time. Many times anger rears its ugly head to nag you that you’re in this situation to begin with, then add some shame to your guilt that you even feel this way in the first place. It’s a recipe for disaster.
Some adult children care deeply about their elderly parents and feel overwhelming guilt over seeing them decline in health, and that puts an unnecessary burden on you, if you’re the caregiver. You feel trapped in the guilt and are trying to balance out your love at the same time.
Or, what if you don’t have warm and fond memories from your past with this parent, but now you’re in the position as caregiver? There is anger, resentment towards this parent, and you feel as if you’re being crushed by a vault of guilt like a steel trapped door.
We all want to please, but no matter what we do, how much we do it, it’s simply not enough. Guilty again. While guilt is natural to the caregiver, it doesn’t have to be this way.
Advertisements for weight loss claim; “It’s a New Year and time for a New You!” The same applies to being a guilt-free caregiver. There are viable options for you to consider, but there’s no guarantee that the road is an easy one.
Well, let’s give it a try! With every New Year, it allows us the chance to start fresh. We’ve put together some different ways to start getting rid of the guilt as you start 2012.
1. Simply, drop the guilt. Just because you feel that you can’t do everything perfectly, doesn’t mean that you have to beat yourself up. Its time to let that guilt go.
2. Go easy on yourself. You are doing the best you can and you can't fix every single problem. Cut yourself some slack.
3. Learn to say no. Take time this year to think through every request and only say yes to those you can truly fulfill, without the guilt.
4. Get some help in 2012 before you feel like you're stressed to the breaking point. Remember, no guilt.
There is much more on the topic of caregiver guilt with some in-depth insights on how to alleviate guilt.
Serving Seniors offers you peace of mind. We have a team of professionals trained in all areas of elderly care and can help get you the help you need, guilt free. We’re recognized as one of 32 Fellow Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.
Call us for a consultation so we can help you and your loved ones. I appreciate your interest in Serving Seniors and we’re looking forward to helping you and your family navigate these rough waters with the best personalized care out there.
Thanks,
Diane
Being a caregiver has loads of guilt attached to it but it shouldn’t. It’s not a healthy way to start the new year for you or the elderly parent(s) that you’re caring for. Guilt can cripple you mentally with sadness that you just can’t do enough or that you can’t be there for your elderly parents all of the time. Many times anger rears its ugly head to nag you that you’re in this situation to begin with, then add some shame to your guilt that you even feel this way in the first place. It’s a recipe for disaster.
Some adult children care deeply about their elderly parents and feel overwhelming guilt over seeing them decline in health, and that puts an unnecessary burden on you, if you’re the caregiver. You feel trapped in the guilt and are trying to balance out your love at the same time.
Or, what if you don’t have warm and fond memories from your past with this parent, but now you’re in the position as caregiver? There is anger, resentment towards this parent, and you feel as if you’re being crushed by a vault of guilt like a steel trapped door.
We all want to please, but no matter what we do, how much we do it, it’s simply not enough. Guilty again. While guilt is natural to the caregiver, it doesn’t have to be this way.
Advertisements for weight loss claim; “It’s a New Year and time for a New You!” The same applies to being a guilt-free caregiver. There are viable options for you to consider, but there’s no guarantee that the road is an easy one.
Well, let’s give it a try! With every New Year, it allows us the chance to start fresh. We’ve put together some different ways to start getting rid of the guilt as you start 2012.
1. Simply, drop the guilt. Just because you feel that you can’t do everything perfectly, doesn’t mean that you have to beat yourself up. Its time to let that guilt go.
2. Go easy on yourself. You are doing the best you can and you can't fix every single problem. Cut yourself some slack.
3. Learn to say no. Take time this year to think through every request and only say yes to those you can truly fulfill, without the guilt.
4. Get some help in 2012 before you feel like you're stressed to the breaking point. Remember, no guilt.
There is much more on the topic of caregiver guilt with some in-depth insights on how to alleviate guilt.
Serving Seniors offers you peace of mind. We have a team of professionals trained in all areas of elderly care and can help get you the help you need, guilt free. We’re recognized as one of 32 Fellow Certified Geriatric Care Managers in the USA as recognized by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.
Call us for a consultation so we can help you and your loved ones. I appreciate your interest in Serving Seniors and we’re looking forward to helping you and your family navigate these rough waters with the best personalized care out there.
Thanks,
Diane
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