Question 1

What the Heck is a Geriatric Manager?

Accepted Answer

Private geriatric case management is still a new concept in Canada, although it's getting more traction with our aging population and rising demands on family caregivers.

• Simply put, family caregivers and seniors use our services to ensure seniors are receiving the right type of support at the right time.
• Geriatric case managers can provide advice and help navigating a healthcare crisis or age-related transition and/or offer ongoing support and management to coordinate the broad range of services needed.
• We are the "keystone" — the service that connects and supports clients to the various, but related, parts of eldercare.

We can help when your Mom is diagnosed with Alzheimer's and needs more help to stay in her home safely but you don't know what needs to be done or where to find the information you need. Or when your Dad suffers a stroke and doesn't have other family available to care for him when he leaves hospital. Sometimes you just need someone to coach you in your new role of caregiver, including how to initiate uncomfortable conversations with aging parents, how to navigate the complex social and health care systems and where to find support.

Question 2

How are you different than a public case manager?

Accepted Answer

A public case manager works on behalf of the local health authority and their mandate, whereas families or seniors hire us directly to work solely on their behalf. Private geriatric case managers can be more creative with solutions and are able to support families and seniors with a broader range of services.

We assist family caregivers with numerous issues, including:

• Ongoing case management, observation and assessment of seniors
• Acting as a liaison to oversee the care and support for seniors with out-of-town families; assisting in system navigation
• Accompanying clients on medical appointments to ensure their needs are communicated clearly and medical directions are understood
• Screening, arranging and monitoring in-home help and other non-medical services and support
• Providing crisis intervention
• Assisting with moving clients to or from medical facilities, independent living facility or long-term care home
• Organizing and maintaining key support documentation, such as emergency contact lists, medical and functional health, power of attorney, advanced directives, etc.
• Helping with applications for benefits or entitlements
• Referring community resources and services

Question 3

I live in British Columbia but my parents live in Alberta. Should I still call you?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! At the very least, we can guide you in the right direction to the right people in the area the people you are caring for live. You might decide to start with a Quick and Dirty Caregiver consultation to identify the main issues and to help you navigate the health care system with practical suggestions to approach family discussions.

Question 4

Are there subsidies for your service?

Accepted Answer

At this time, there are no private insurance plans for private geriatric case management and no subsidies from public system, although if your parent is a Veteran there may be funding through Veterans Affairs to support your parent in their home. Some supports and options for low income seniors are available through your local health authority, but there are long wait lists and eligibility requirements.

The number one hidden cost for family caregivers is avoidable anxiety and stress. It can come from not knowing what to do, trying to find information and resources, not understanding available options and having no one to provide practical support and perspective. We can help.

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