Elder Care Issues?...You Don't Have to Face Them Alone
Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 541
The New York Times reported on a new trend in dealing with caring for elderly parents: hiring geriatric care managers. These professionals act as caseworkers for a family grappling with housing issues, difficult diagnoses, and a barrage of legal documents.
Unfortunately, regular insurance does not cover geriatric care managers, so you must pay for their services yourself. Managers charge by the hour and prices generally range from the $50 to $200. However, their assistance can provide you with much-needed advice in a very stressful and confusing time.
Additionally, the care manager can persuade elderly parents to make healthy changes in their lives that their children were unable to do.
That is another great reason to use a care manager: they can play the bad cop, taking away car keys or insisting that an aide move in, so you don’t have to.
The care manager can also be an objective and reasonable voice when family members disagree about the care plan for an elderly relative.
There are a number of ways to find a geriatric care manager in your area. Much of their work comes through referrals, so speaking with friends who have elderly parents is a good place to begin. Also, www.caremanager.org can assist you in locating a care manager in your area.
Be sure to consider the specific needs of your elderly parent when choosing a care manager and researching their background. Ask whether the person is a member of the national care managers' association, which has strict requirements.
Our office is here to assist you with any estate planning or elder care needs.