GCM references

Jenflex

In a previous post, I received a recommendation that I seek out support from a Geriatric Care Manager.  Are there quality reference sites?  When I Googled, I ended up on some of the paid reference sites...value this community's referrals more than what I can find by myself.  Thank you in advance....

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Jane Smith

We got suggestions from my relative’s geriatric psychiatrist, and also from her facility.

aod326

Have you looked at the NIH link? It includes advice as to how to find one. 

What Is a Geriatric Care Manager? | National Institute on Aging (nih.gov)

Also, when I tried googling elder care manager, there were many entries, at least for NY. 

Good luck

Jenflex

Thank you everyone...I did find a GCM, and spent an hour on the phone with her this morning.  WHAT A GODSEND. Between this call, the call tomorrow with the Elder Law attorney, and the appointment with the neurologist next week, I feel so much better that we are going to come up with a good plan to help Mom live her best life under the current circumstances, and one that's realistic given all the circumstances.

God bless you all for being here. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Quilting brings calm

Jenflex 

Can you tell me in general what your conversation consisted of- no personal specifics, just Bullet points.  And, can you give me some idea if what a GCM costs( round it to nearest $100 oe so ?  Is it a per hour type thing oe so much a month? I’d like to talk to one myself ( central Illinois) but I have no idea if it’s something my parents ( or me if I am the person paying) could afford.  

Jenflex

Glad to, Quilting.  I am also in Central IL, FWIW, although my mom is in Central OH, so I did not look near me but near Mom.  If you PM me your contact info, I will be glad to share actual materials if you'd like.

The provider I spoke with charges a flat fee to intake a client and form a plan of care, and then a per-hour rate, invoiced monthly.  She said her average number of hours/week are between 1-2 for a case like the one I described. She said her function is basically to be "boots on the ground" with whatever Mom needs...if Mom needs someone to go with her to a dr. app't, then GCM can go. She can provide objective assessment of how mom is doing in her home, and recommend or source additional services, like cleaning or in-home care.  She can serve as Mom's advocate and also serve as the "heavy" on implementing some decisions, so I as the daughter don't have to be the heavy on EVERYTHING. 

(As I describe this, I find it really hard to explain what she does, but I was so relieved in talking to her that I felt like I could breathe for the first time in weeks!)

The one I spoke with, I found online through LinkedIn of all places, but I spoke with a CELA today and he also recommended two additional providers.  We will end up having Mom choose the one she prefers from two options. The CELA advised that a GCM can maximize the extent to which Mom is able to age in place, while helping my brother and I objectively assess when it's time to move to a more advanced care situation.

I'm sorry this isn't more clear.  I'm looking back at my notes from the GCM meeting and there's not a lot more in the way of specifics.  I am waiting on a contract from her.  Would be glad to share more as we move forward.  Thanks for asking.

Quilting brings calm

Thank you Jenflex.  I accepted your friend request in this site. So if you’d just send me a message of the intake and then continuing rates that way, that will answer my question on affordability.  

This sounds like something that would be very helpful to me.  I have my parents in an ASL for now, but I need someone to periodically access them and tell me ahead of time when I need to do something different for Mom. As in, what is plan B and how that will work because Dad will want to move to an independent living facility at that time. He needs ASL too. Plus I am handling everything right now and my spouse would like me to cut back so that I’m not trapped in this town 24/7/365. He wants to travel some while we ourselves are still healthy to do so( in our 60s ourselves and he has health issues).