We receive a lot of inquiries about having a

n assessment done, typically from a family member concerned about an aging loved one or a professional working with a senior client. We have previously covered The Results One Can Expect from a Professional Geriatric Assessment and some of the Components of an Assessment in reviewing an elder’s functioning.

Here are some typical scenarios when you should call to find out about getting a geriatric assessment or care management eldercare consultation:

1. You go to visit an elderly parent who does not live near you and find things are not what you expected.

2. Your siblings are at war over what to do to help Mom.

3. You’ve tried to bring in help or suggested safety changes and your elderly Dad won’t budge.

4. You have a friend or client who is caring for a spouse with dementia and you can see he or she is wearing out fast.

5. Mom’s at the hospital and the doctor says he doesn’t think she can return home alone.

To find qualified geriatric care managers throughout the country, you can contact us or visit the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Manager’s website. When interviewing care managers, find out about their experience with similar situations, how they plan to approach your situation, and get detailed information about their experience, qualifications and fee structures.

It is always important to feel comfortable in hiring any professional, but especially so in the sensitive situations involved in health and eldercare. Because eldercare often involves a crisis, you may feel panicked to get some help. Any professional in eldercare should respond quickly and be able to provide you with information and answers to your questions to make an informed decision. In the growing field of eldercare there are many individuals getting into consulting or providing services to families, but not all of them have the expertise and standards you would expect. Professional care managers adhere to a strict code of ethics and standards of practice.

You may be concerned about spending money on professional advice and it may feel that this is very personal and something that should be handled within the family. For many families, getting an affordable professional care management consultation helps to set them in the right direction, saving valuable time and money. For these very personal and serious decisions, getting good, tailored advice will be well worth the initial costs.

Fees vary throughout the country, but most care managers offer a consultation and assessment for a one time fee, with no further obligation. This is valuable especially in a crisis, and the services and resources identified will often save you more than you pay. Similarly, care managers can tailor a plan for ongoing services for those that need help with tasks or oversight of care. Ask the care management company about assisting with long term care claims also if you have long-term care insurance.

Contact Aging Wisely today for information on Florida Geriatric Care Management, Eldercare Consultations, and Clearwater/Tampa Bay Senior Services. We welcome your questions via email or telephone!

727-447-5845
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