Sunday, December 25, 2011

What Does Geriatric Care Involve?


Geriatric care, also known as elder care, is basically health care for senior citizens. It is the process of coordinating and planning care for the old and for those who are physically or mentally challenged. Geriatric care helps meet their needs on a long-term basis, improves the quality of their life and helps them become independent. It involves working with old people and their families and providing various types of health and social care services. Knowledge of both psychology and healthcare is required of a person who works in this field. Family dynamics, human development and public and private funding are some important aspects of geriatric care.


Click For Geriatric Doctors in South FL

Geriatric care managers

Geriatric care managers are given intense training in the areas of social work, nursing, gerontology and other health services. They are well-trained professionals who focus specially on certain issues related to care of the elder and ageing. They have an in-depth knowledge about costs, quality and even availability of different services in their specific communities. They help people attain their maximum functional potential.  In the United States different professional associations conduct certification programs on geriatric care.

When do you need a geriatric care manager?

You need a geriatric care manger when:
  •         The problems of you or your loved ones are becoming larger or more complex than what you can comfortably manage.
  •         There are other demands and responsibilities because of which you are somehow not quite able to easily provide the required level of care or even supervision to the problems of your loved ones.

Responsibilities of geriatric care managers

Geriatric care mangers help people adjust and get through old age and disabilities in the following ways:
  •         Identifying needs, problems and eligibility for assistance of the patient
  •         Conducting care planning assessments for them
  •          Providing in-home help and other services
  •          Reviewing their financial issues
  •          Reviewing legal issues for them
  •          Reviewing medical issues for them
  •          Offering referrals to specialized doctors for their health
  •          Providing crisis intervention
  •          Informing the patient’s families about their problems
  •          Acting as a connecting link between family and the elderly/disabled person.
  •          Moving the patient to and from retirement complex or any other place
  •         Arranging for nursing homes and rehabilitation centers if needed
  •         Providing counseling and support to help them lead a comfortable life.

Geriatric care is a holistic concept which integrates health care and psychological care. It also includes services that are necessary for daily living such as home care services, housing, nutritional services, financial and legal planning as well as socialization programs. 

Geriatric care managers create a tailor made care plan for every person after their individual assessment. The plans are regularly monitored and modified if required in accordance with the needs of the concerned individual and the family. They help the aged and their families to move through the challenges with ease and comfort. Geriatric care is making life easy for many around the world and is rightly considered a boon.

No comments:

Post a Comment