The Professional Geriatric Care Manager’s Blog

A Week In The Life of a Geriatric Care Manager

Exercise is good for the body and the mind! This week, one of my clients and I decided to move forward with instituting an in home exercise program.  Mr. J. had a stroke that left a significant weakness on the left side of his body. He was an athlete. He has skiied all over the world and even formed a ski club when his children were young just to get the whole family involved and share in his passion.

Whether a person has had a stroke or is at risk for falling due tovertigo, certain heart medications or previous injuries, exercise can not only improve strength but also improve balance. Stability and balance help to decrease the risk of falling and prevent serious injury.

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities offer many types of exercise classes from stretching to yoga to standard physical therapy.

I always encourage my client’s and even their caregivers to exercise; even if it’s a walk to the mailbox.

As in Mr. J’s case, if he can’t easily get out to exercise then we find a way to bring the exercise to him.

Of course, as with any exercise program, Mr. J’s primary care physician will have to give us the O.K.

I am not quite sure if Mr. J will ever ski again but for now, I know he will enjoy challenging his body to perform at it’s highest level.

A Week in the Life of a Geriatric Care Manager

This week I met a new family. The children live at a distance and worry about their elderly parents who are showing signs of dementia. Whether it is medication management, providing safety in their home or transportation to and from doctor’s visits, as a geriatric care manager, I come with the resources to provide comfort and peace of mind. Grown children with their own worries can rest assure that as their parent’s GCM, I am there to oversee all aspects of care and to continue to monitor for any changes in behavior.

This new family is very grateful and now I am starting to see that their parents are grateful as well.  It can be a challenge to convince  your loved ones that they need assistance. Their first thought usually is that they are being put in a nursing home. Our goal is to let people age with dignity in their own home as we navigate the resources that are available to ensure safety and wellbeing for all family members.

I will continue to visit this wonderful couple every week. It will be a pleasure to stay in touch with their children and keep them up to date on their parents physical and emotional health.

A Week in the Life

My clients have different diagnoses, different needs and different degrees of support whether it be from family or neighbors. Caregivers come in many different forms. Support can come from many different places.  As a geriatric care manager, I oversee all aspects of care for my client and their family.  One example of invaluable assistance is preparing a medication reminder for a week at a time. With dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, clients must have around the clock support but a medication regime for a geriatric patient can be overwhelming to any caregiver. The average elderly person can be on as many as 12 different medications and supplements each day. A medication error can be a serious and life threatening event.  As a geriatric care manager and registered nurse, my role does not end with preparing the medication reminder. I clarify medications with the prescribing physicians and pharmacies to ensure that the appropriate medications are being administered. I also consult with an independent pharmacist who specializes in geriatrics to ensure there are no contraindications or duplicate medications.

Ask questions about medications. Be clear in your understanding of why a medication is being prescribed. Know about potential side effects and most importantly, take medication correctly.