The goal of professional geriatric care management is to improve an older adult's quality of life, and to reduce family stress. Following a comprehensive geriatric assessment and evaluation, a geriatric care manager will tailor a care plan for an individual’s circumstances. In consultation with the client and family, the geriatric care manager will assist in a variety of areas, including:
- coordinating and overseeing home-care services
- recommending and arranging for home safety modifications and/or repairs
- arranging for housekeeping, cleaning, and laundry services
- helping a family evaluate and select appropriate assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing options
- monitoring client’s care in assisted living or other care facility
- communicating with family at a distance, keeping them well-informed
- planning and arranging for moving/transition
- geriatric physician referrals
- facilitating communication between doctor, client, and family
- if appropriate, monitoring client’s adherence to medical orders and instructions
- recommending a financial-services expert, licensed fiduciary, or accountant
- securing/recommending an elder care attorney
- crisis intervention
- taking a client to hospital emergency department
- accompanying a client to doctor/procedure appointments
- monitoring drug prescriptions
- coordinating/providing general transportation
- recommending durable medical equipment
- handling insurance matters
- helping with Medicare/Medicaid (ALTCS) applications
- identifying opportunities for a client to engage in recreational activities that enrich the quality of life.
Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, Geriatric Care Manager Mary J. Hughes, BSW, serves clients in all of Maricopa County, and families across the nation.
Mary J. Hughes’ Professional Memberships:
• National Association of Social Workers;
• National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers;
• American Case Management Association; and the
• Case Management Society of America.