How to Choose the Best Geriatric Care for Your Loved One

If you have a loved one who is getting older, it’s essential to consider geriatric care. This type of care can provide your loved one with the support they need to live a comfortable and fulfilling life. But how do you choose the best care for your loved one? There are many different options, and deciding which is suitable for your family can be challenging. This guide will discuss some factors to consider when making this decision.

What Is Geriatric Care?

Geriatric care is the medical and social care provided to older adults. It can include a wide range of services, such as help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management, as well as a more specialized medical treatment for conditions common in older age, such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. Senior care can be provided in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and in-home care.

Who Should Get Geriatric Care?

It is typically recommended for individuals 65 years of age or older. However, some people may benefit from senior care at a younger age if they have age-related health issues or disabilities. Also, it may be appropriate for any older adult with significant medical, functional, or cognitive impairments or who needs help with daily living activities. It may also be suitable for older adults at risk of falling, who have chronic conditions that need to be managed, or who have recently been discharged from the hospital and need additional support at home.

What Are Some Benefits Of Geriatric Care?

Geriatric care can provide several benefits to older adults, including:

• Improved quality of life: Senior care can help older adults maintain their independence and participate in activities they enjoy. It can also provide support with daily tasks and alleviate the burden on family and friends who may be helping to care for an older loved one.
• Better health outcomes: Elderly care can help older adults manage chronic conditions and prevent the development of new health problems. It can also provide timely access to medical treatment and support for rehabilitation following an illness or surgery.
• Peace of mind for caregivers: Aged care can provide caregivers with the support and respite they need to care for their loved ones. It can also give caregivers peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are receiving high-quality care from trained professionals.
• Socialization and engagement: This care can allow older adults to socialize and engage with others, which can be essential for their mental and emotional well-being.
• Coordinated care: Elderly care often involves a team of healthcare professionals working to address older adults’ physical, mental, and social needs. This coordinated care can ensure that all aspects of an older adult’s care are considered.

How Does The Cost Of Geriatric Care Vary Depending On The Type Of Care And Setting That Is Provided?

The cost of geriatric care can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of care needed, the setting in which it is provided, and the location.

Here are some estimates of the cost of different types of geriatric care:

• In-home care: The cost of in-home care can vary depending on the needed care and location. According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, the average hourly price for in-home care services is $25.50.
• Assisted living: The cost of assisted living can vary depending on the location and the level of care needed. According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost of assisted living is $4,000.
• Nursing home care: The cost of nursing home care can also vary depending on the location and the level of care needed. According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly geriatric care managers charge $8,517 for a private room in a nursing home.

When Is The Best Time To Get Geriatric Care?

The best time to consider senior care for older adults is when they start experiencing difficulties managing their daily activities or declining health. This can include difficulties with bathing, dressing, cooking, taking medications, and managing finances.

This can help reduce the risk of complications later in life and ensure that the individual receives the best treatments available. If an older adult struggles to live independently or their caregiver struggles to provide the necessary support, it may be time to consider geriatric care.

What Are The Different Types Of Senior Care Available, And How Do You Determine The Best Option For An Older Adult?

Several different types of Senior care are available, each with unique benefits and considerations. However, some common types of Aged care include:

• In-home care involves a caregiver coming to the older adult’s home to assist with bathing, dressing, and medication management. This can be a good option for older adults who prefer to remain in their own homes and have a supportive network of family and friends.
• Assisted living: Assisted living facilities provide housing, meals, and personal care services for older adults who need assistance with daily activities but do not require the level of care provided in a nursing home. Assisted living facilities often have a social and recreational component to help residents stay engaged and active.
• Nursing home care: Nursing homes provide around-the-clock medical and personal care for older adults who need higher support. They are a good option for older adults who cannot live independently or require complex medical services.

What Are The Services That Elderly Care Provides?

Elderly care can include a wide range of services to meet older adults’ physical, mental, and social needs. These services may include:

• Assistance with daily activities: Aged care can support bathing, dressing, grooming, and using the bathroom.
• Medication management: Aged care can help ensure that older adults take their medications as prescribed and manage any potential side effects.
• Medical treatment: Geriatric care can provide specialized medical treatment for conditions common in older age, such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.
• Rehabilitation: Senior care can support restoration following an illness or surgery, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
• Social and recreational activities: Geriatric care can allow older adults to socialize and engage in activities that promote mental and emotional well-being.
• Support for caregivers: Elderly care can provide caregivers with the support and respite they need to care for their loved ones.
• Coordinated care: Geriatric care often involves a team of healthcare professionals working to address older adults’ physical, mental, and social needs. This coordinated care can ensure that all aspects of an older adult’s care are considered.

What Are The Services That Geriatric Managers Provide?

Geriatric care managers provide a wide range of services to help older adults and their families navigate the complex healthcare system and meet their needs. Some specific benefits that an aged care manager may provide include the following:

• Assessment: Geriatric care managers can assess the older adult’s physical, mental, and social needs to determine the needed type and level of care.
• Care planning: Elderly care managers can develop a care plan that outlines the steps needed to meet older adults’ needs and goals. This may include coordinating care with multiple healthcare providers and professionals, such as financial advisors or attorneys.
• Advocacy: These care managers can advocate for older adult children and their families to ensure their needs are being met and receiving the best possible care.
• Coordination: Senior care managers can coordinate the various aspects of the older adult’s care, including scheduling appointments, coordinating transportation, and managing medications.
• Monitoring: Geriatric care managers can monitor the older adult’s care to ensure that the care plan is followed and that the older adult’s needs are met.
• Support for caregivers: These care managers can help caregivers navigate the caregiving process and manage possible challenges.
• Education: Senior care managers can provide education and local resources to help older adults and their families understand their options and make informed care decisions.

What Common Challenges Do Older Adults Face As They Age, And How Can Geriatric Care Address Them?

As people age, they may face several challenges affecting their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Some common challenges that older adults may face include:

• Declining physical health: Older adults may experience a decline in physical health due to aging, chronic conditions, or illness. Aged care can help manage these conditions and provide support with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.
• Isolation and loneliness: Older adults may become isolated and lonely due to a lack of social support or mobility limitations. Senior care can provide opportunities for older adults to socialize and engage with others, which can be essential for their mental and emotional well-being.
• Cognitive decline: As people age, they may experience changes in their cognitive abilities, such as memory loss or difficulty with decision-making. Aged care can provide support to help older adults manage these changes and maintain their independence.
• Safety concerns: Older adults may be at risk of falls or accidents due to declining physical health or functional abilities. Geriatric care can provide added safety and support to help prevent these types of incidents.
• Caregiver burden: Family caregivers may experience physical, financial, and emotional concerns while caring for older loved ones. Geriatric care can provide support and respite for caregivers to help alleviate this burden.

Next Steps

In conclusion, geriatric care is an important consideration when it comes to providing the best possible care for your aging loved one. With so many choices available, it’s essential to take the time to assess each option and select the most appropriate one for your family’s needs and situation. Consider location, price, services offered, and staff qualifications when looking for senior care. If you’d like to learn more about how to pay for elderly care services efficiently, request a free quote today, and we would be more than happy to help.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Need A Geriatric Care Manager?

Whether or not you need a geriatric care manager depends on your situation. Some older adults may be able to manage their care with the help of family members and other support systems, while others may need more specialized assistance. Geriatric care managers can accommodate older adults with complex medical conditions who live far from their families or do not have a strong support network. Geriatric care managers can also be a valuable resource for family caregivers who may need help coordinating care and navigating the healthcare system on behalf of a loved one.

How Can A Senior Care Manager Help You?

A senior care manager is a healthcare professional who coordinates and manages care for older adults. They can help you in several ways, including:

• Assessing your needs: A professional care manager can consider your physical, mental, and social needs to determine the type and level of care you need.
• Developing a care plan: A senior care manager can work with you and your healthcare providers to develop a care plan that outlines the steps needed to meet your needs and goals.
• Coordinating care: A geriatric care manager can coordinate the various aspects of your care, including scheduling appointments, coordinating transportation, and managing medications.
• Monitoring your care: A care manager can monitor your care to ensure that the care plan is followed and your needs are met.
• Providing support for caregivers: If you have a caregiver, a care manager can provide support and guidance to help them navigate the caregiving process and manage the challenges that may arise.
• Advocating for you: An elder care manager can advocate on your behalf to ensure that your needs are being met and that you are receiving the best possible care.
• Education and resources: A care manager can provide education and resources to help you and your family understand your options and make informed care decisions.

What Is The Aging Life Care Association?

The Aging Life Care Association, formerly known as the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers Act (NAPGCM), is a professional organization for geriatric care managers and other healthcare professionals who work with older adults and their families. The organization makes sure to cover geriatric care management and is dedicated to promoting best practices in aged care and improving the quality of life for older adults.

The Aging Life Care Association provides several resources from geriatric care management services and services for geriatric care managers and aging life care professionals, including:

• Professional development: The organization offers a variety of educational and training opportunities to help members stay up-to-date on best practices in geriatric care.
• Networking: The organization provides opportunities for members to connect with other medical professionals in the field and share best practices.
• Certification: The organization offers a certification program for aged care managers to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the field.
• Public resources: The organization will provide several resources, including a directory for an aging life care professional and information on aging and caregiving.

What Are The Most Common Geriatric Conditions?

People may be at an increased risk of developing certain health conditions as they age. Some of the most common geriatric conditions include:

• Arthritis: Arthritis is a common condition that causes inflammation and joint pain. It is more common in older adults and can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
• Heart disease: Heart disease is a leading cause of death in older adults and includes conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and hypertension.
• Diabetes: Diabetes is when the body cannot properly use and store glucose (a type of sugar). It can lead to serious health complications if not managed properly.
• Cancer: Older adults are more likely to develop cancer than younger adults, and cancer is a leading cause of death in this age group.
• Dementia: Dementia is a decline in cognitive function that can affect memory, thinking, and behavior. It is often associated with aging, although it can also occur in younger adults.
• Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures. It is more common in older women.
• Stroke: A stroke is a medical emergency when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. It can lead to severe complications and long-term disability.