Many families find themselves in a challenging position when their aging parent or relative begins showing signs that living independently may no longer be entirely safe or manageable. While the senior may still be living comfortably at home, subtle changes in their daily routines, health management, or decision-making abilities can signal that additional support may be beneficial. With this in mind, recognizing when to introduce geriatric care management services is key.
Navigating Healthcare Complexity
One of the clearest signs that geriatric care management may be needed is when a senior’s healthcare becomes increasingly complex to navigate. If a loved one is seeing multiple specialists, managing numerous medications, or struggling to keep track of appointments, a geriatric care manager can offer vital support. The fact is that seniors may miss appointments, forget to take medications, or become confused about conflicting medical advice from different providers. These things can have a significant impact on their health and well-being. Having a care manager in place ensures effective communication between all parties and that the senior receives comprehensive, coordinated care.
Emerging Safety Concerns
While a senior may still be living independently, family members might begin noticing concerning changes in their home environment or personal care. These can include unexplained bruises suggesting falls, spoiled food in the refrigerator, unpaid bills piling up, or declining personal hygiene. These warning signs don’t necessarily mean a loved one needs to move to assisted living, but they do indicate that professional assessment and intervention could help maintain safety while preserving independence.
Family Caregivers Feel Overwhelmed
Geographic distance often makes it difficult for adult children to provide adequate oversight and support. When family members find themselves constantly worrying about their loved one’s well-being, making frequent emergency trips, or feeling guilty about not being available enough, it may be time to consider professional help. Geriatric case management offers local support and advocacy, giving family members much-needed peace of mind while also respecting the senior’s autonomy.
Inconsistent Decision-Making
At some point, families may notice their loved one making uncharacteristic decisions about finances, healthcare, or daily activities. While these behaviors don’t necessarily indicate serious cognitive decline, they suggest that additional oversight and guidance could be needed. Simply having another set of eyes on the situation can help alleviate concern.
Increased Social Isolation
When seniors begin withdrawing from social activities they previously enjoyed, stop maintaining relationships, or seem increasingly lonely or depressed, professional intervention can help. Care managers can assess social needs and connect seniors with appropriate community resources, volunteer opportunities, or companionship services.
The ideal time to introduce care management services is ideally before a crisis occurs. Rather than waiting for a medical emergency or serious safety incident, families who proactively seek professional assessment and planning typically achieve better outcomes. Care managers can conduct comprehensive evaluations, develop personalized care plans, and gradually introduce supportive services that allow seniors to maintain their independence longer while ensuring their safety and well-being.
Ultimately, by recognizing these early warning signs and acting proactively to implement geriatric care management, families can help their loved ones age gracefully at home with the professional support they need to thrive.
Sources:
https://www.uchealth.org/today/aging-parents-what-to-do-when-parents-need-more-care-than-you-can-provide
https://welkinhealth.com/what-is-geriatric-care-management
https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/basics/geriatric-care-manager/
If you or an aging loved one are considering geriatric care management in Las Vegas, NV, please contact the caring staff at Golden Years today. Call (702) 931-0055
Golden Years is Las Vegas’ premier senior concierge service. Golden Years offers numerous services including transition assistance, medical advocacy, crisis support, financial oversight and home services near Las Vegas, Lake Las Vegas, Red Rock Country Club, The Ridges, Las Vegas Country Club, Spanish Trails, Summerlin, Sun City Summerlin, Summerlin South, Sunrise Manor, Centennial Hills, Whitney, North Las Vegas, Boulder City, Enterprise, Spring Valley, Rhodes Ranch, Southern Highlands, Henderson, Sun City MacDonald Ranch, Sun City Anthem, Green Valley, Anthem, Anthem Country Club, and Seven Hills.
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