qualified to manage the care of an older adult.
What is a typical patient profile?
There is no uniform type of patient who benefits from this service. Each care plan is as unique as the individual for whom it is designed. However, there are some commonalities patients and families may share who are seeking services. These concerns can include:
· Uncertainty about whether current living environment is appropriate
· Concerns about safety
·
Medication issues
· Diagnosis of dementia
· Patient is seeing multiple doctors who don’t seem to be communicating
· Patient is having difficulty managing their chronic condition resulting in frequent medication changes or trips to the hospital
· Patient has significant hearing or vision loss
· Patient seems increasingly isolated or uninterested in normal activities.
· Patient is overwhelmed by daily chores. Paperwork may be piling up. There is a concern about what, or if, patient is eating properly.
· Family is juggling care for patient and other obligations
· Family lives out of the area and is concerned about patient
· Family has become more involved and needs direction about available services and quality referrals
WHAT SERVICES ARE OFFERED?
Geriatric Care Management begins with an assessment and development of a plan of care based on the patient needs and preferences, within their financial means. The Geriatric Care Management team provides 24 hour support through a crisis, provides solutions for immediate needs, as well as planning for further needs. More specifically a Geriatric Care Manager helps patients with:
· Selection, supervision, and coordination of home health care services such as:
o Home Care Nursing
o Homemaker companion or Private Duty Home Health aids
o Therapies
o Home safety evaluations and recommendations
o Nutrition evaluations
o Meals on Wheels
o Hospice services
· Referral and screening of alternate housing options such as:
o Residential Living
o Residential Care Apartment Complex
o Continuing Care Residential Facilities
o Group Homes
o Skilled Nursing Facilities
o Life Care Communities
· Medical care coordination:
o Medication management and setup
o Advocacy during physician visits
o Follow up after physician visits to help clarify instructions and maximize opportunity for compliance
o Coordination of schedule for appointments and tests.
· Household management, including oversight and coordination of:
o Care provided in the home or at alternate site
o Household repairs and maintenance including home modifications
o Shopping - gifts, clothing, groceries, prescription pick up, etc.
o Laundry
o Meal preparation
o Yard care/snow removal
o Pet care
o Salon services
o Any other contracted services
· Communication with other support team members
o Referrals and coordination with legal and financial professionals
o Liaison and resource for family members
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GERIATRIC CARE MANAGEMENT?
Professional management for the older adult gives you access and information about services for the elderly that would require weeks - if not months - of research. A Care Manager’s expertise assures efficient resources that can save you time and money by preventing inappropriate placement or hospitalization. You’ll also have the peace of mind of knowing you have a dedicated advocate to navigate the health care process and ensure the best services the market has to offer while avoiding duplicate services. As a third party professional a Geriatric Care Manager can also help bridge the gap between family members who have differences in opinion about direction of care for a loved one.
WILL MY INSURANCE COVER Geriatric CARE MANAGEMENT SERVICES?
Geriatric Care Management coordination is fee for service and typically is not covered by insurance. This means there is no maximum length of time services can be received, or a minimum number of hours required for service. Many families find that the value of Geriatric Care Management stems from the time it saves as well as the piece of mind it affords them.
WHY CHOOSE THE HORIZON – FROEDTERT & THE MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN TEAM?
Knowledgeable, local access to care and information is a key component of the Horizon - Froedtert & The Medical College Geriatric Care Management model. Other agencies claim to provide care management without investing in the employee training and experience, or committing to the Pledge of Ethics and Standards of Practice, of a Certified Geriatric Care Manager with the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers Association. Horizon has made that investment and commitment. Horizon Home Care and Hospice, Inc. is a not-for-profit agency, accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. As a home health care provider that offers every service from home delivered meals to end-of-life care, we have staff with a wealth of experience and training to tap into for the sometimes complicated life situations of a patient. Our Geriatric Care Managers can work with your family and health care team to support your goal of independence and quality of life.
Froedtert & The Medical College offer primary physicians and clinical specialists from the academic medical center to provide comprehensive medical assessments and care for older adults. Read more about Froedtert & The Medical College's Senior Health Program here.
HOW DO I CONTACT AN HORIZION GERIATRIC CARE MANAGER?
To contact the Geriatric Care Management program please call 414.586.8303 or click on contact HHCH at the bottom of the page. The Geriatric Care Manager will gather some basic information about your current situation and provide additional information about the program and service costs.
