On a practical level, the Geriatric Care Manager's work will include:

1.  Full assessment of the older adult's medical condition, both physical and psychological.

2.  Evaluation of the overall situation, including financial, insurance, legal and family dynamics.

3.  Explaining the situation to the client and family members and helping them accept the situation to the client and family members and helping them accept the situation.

4.  Helping the older adult and family members work through issues of grief and denial.

5. Researching and explaining options, and making recommendations.

6.  Finding and securing services, including medical, home care, assisted living, long-term care, financial planning, insurance and legal support.

7.  Supporting and counseling family members including the use of mediation, negotiation, and advocacy to meet the needs and desires of the older adult client.

The Geriatric Care Manager can be especially helpful when the family lives far away. Families may worry about whether their loved ones are eating properly, taking their medication, getting to the doctor, managing their finances, or experiencing depression. The Geriatric Case Manager can be your eyes and ears, and keep you informed about your loved one's status.

One clear advantage of working with the Geriatric Care Manager is the holistic and highly individualized attention they give our loved ones. They take into account the older person's medical condition, preferences for care and the living situation, family dynamics, finances, and even religious beliefs. The GCM's recommendation is not scripted, it is specific to the set of circumstances! Guava has the solution!