In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Amy Huddleston interviews Gail Rosen, a geriatric care manager, to explore the vital role of geriatric care management in supporting older adults and their families. They discuss the responsibilities of a geriatric care manager, the importance of building trust with clients, navigating healthcare options, and the emotional complexities involved in caregiving. Gail shares personal stories and insights on how to advocate for seniors, manage family dynamics, and ensure that the wishes of older adults are respected. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassion, understanding, and the importance of finding joy in aging.

Takeaways:

- Geriatric care managers serve as advocates for clients and families.
- Building trust takes time and is essential for effective care management.
- The role of a geriatric care manager differs from that of a social worker.
- Understanding payment options is crucial for families seeking care management services.
- Navigating facility placement requires careful consideration and support.
- Initial assessments focus on the safety and well-being of the client.
- Family dynamics can complicate care decisions, requiring skilled mediation.
- Finding joy in aging is important for overall well-being.
- Geriatric care managers coordinate care but do not provide direct services themselves.
- Financial considerations and insurance options are critical in managing elder care.

Sound Bites:

"We're the hub of a wheel."
"It's about joy."

Products/Books/Resources:

Aging Life Care Association to locate a geriatric care manager: ​​https://www.aginglifecare.org/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Geriatric Care Management
01:02 Role of a Geriatric Care Manager
02:59 Advocacy and Trust Building
06:12 Crisis Management and Client Stories
08:57 Understanding Payment and Services
10:59 Navigating Facility Placement
13:46 Initial Assessment and Safety
18:04 Coordinating Care with Family Involvement
21:02 Fostering Joy and Fun in Aging
23:49 The Hub of the Wheel: Connecting Services
28:02 Financial Considerations in Geriatric Care
31:06 The Importance of Advocacy and Support
36:37 Navigating Insurance Challenges
39:48 The Role of Geriatric Care Managers
47:03 Understanding Veterans Benefits
48:16 Dealing with Resistance to Care
51:53 Reflections on Personal Growth in Caregiving
57:59 The Emotional Toll of Caregiving
01:00:00 Finding the Right Geriatric Care Manager

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