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What Does A Geriatric Care Manager Do?

Question: How does your program work and what is a Geriatric Care Manager?

Answer: My title is Geriatric Care Manager, at the program called Senior Life Matters. Senior Life Matters is a division of Lutheran Senior Housing, which is under the umbrella of Lutheran.

As a Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) I work with individuals, couples and families who have issues, concerns or questions regarding aging. Geriatric is defined as “of or relating to old people, especially with regard to their health care”. This definition simply defines my service focus. I am not a nurse, my practice is not related to any specific medical issues, I help with issues and concerns that come along as you age. The role of a GCM is to stay up to date on services available to seniors such as, Medicare and Medicaid programs and the eligibility regulations, Long Term Care Insurance, alternative living arrangements, and managing their home and health; a GCM is an expert in senior care. As a GCM I work with individuals/couples/families that are looking for options, alternatives and solutions to make the best possible decisions about life for themselves.

When contacting Senior Life Matters with concerns, questions or problems, our staff works with you to find the best solution. Our assistance has an hourly fee for service structure. I have been working with seniors since 1990 and Senior Life Matters began in 2005.

There are many programs, agencies and institutions available to provide services for our senior community, such as Office For the Aging (OFA), Southwestern Independent Living Services (SILC), The Resource Center, Home Care Agencies, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities, Hospice, Private Contractors, Meals on Wheels, Adult Day Care and so many others.

Often, I help individuals understand the transition into Medicare as they turn 65. The Medicare Annual Open Enrollment period in the Fall is an especially busy time helping people make good health insurance choices.

Senior Life Matters can help an individual/couple who want to stay in their home. For instance, ‘Bob’ (87) and ‘Sally’ (84) live in their own home. They have historically been able to take care of themselves. Lately, Bob has been hospitalized a couple of times and Sally doesn’t drive. This makes it difficult for them to remain independent. As a GCM, I can work with them and their family to determine the best options and alternatives available. It could be having help with shopping & errands, preparing meals, getting to and from doctor appointments or helping Sally go see Bob in the hospital. It also could be the consideration of moving to an environment where supportive services are available, a senior apartment complex or assisted living facility.

You may not know the options available to you. Sometimes the questions are about alternative solutions. A GCM can help work through the many challenges of growing older. Working together to find the solutions that make the most sense for you.

It is also important to remember that there is NOT just one choice. Knowing where to go to get the answer or services you need is a big part of my job. I often have individuals who call and ask a question that I do not know the answer to, or it is not something I do, so I find an alternative agency, program or individual who can help them.

I am proud to say during my many years of working in this region “What I LOVE about my job is that I get to help people find the best fit for them and the best solution for their individual situation”. I am proud to say that our community of agencies/programs work together for the betterment of our clients. We put the needs of the individual/couple/family first. So if our program isn’t the best fit, we certainly help them find a better fit. We serve the unique needs of the individual and/or their family.

Our community has a wide array of services and entitlements available to people as they age. Our challenge is to reach out and help people who don’t know where to begin to seek help. Reach out to one of these previously mentioned agencies, ask questions and get the help you need. We can help direct you where to go and get the help you want.

Senior Life Matters is a community based program sponsored by Lutheran Jamestown. For questions and concerns or to reach Janell Sluga, GCMC, call 716-720-9797 or email SLM@lutheran-jamestown.org.

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