USING A PROFESSIONAL CARE MANAGER

WHAT IS A CARE MANAGER?   A care manager is a professional with a degree in the field of human service work-psychology, gerontology, nursing or social work.

WHAT DOES A CARE MANAGER DO?  Assessments, Care-planning, Link with resources/services, Oversee and direct home care, Advocate for client and Problem solve, Assist with bill paying, and refer to financial counselors or advisors, Assist to apply for benefits such as Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, Help with placement in assisted living or nursing homes, Facilitate to medical appointments and oversee medication compliance, Act as liaison for out of town family members, Avoid crisis by finding appropriate solutions, Help with long range planning and final arrangements.
 
WHEN TO INVOLVE A CARE MANAGER?  The goal is for a care manager to identify issues BEFORE they become major problems, although a care manager may be called in for crisis intervention.
 
HOW DO I/MY FAMILY BENEFIT FROM USING A CARE MANAGER?  Short-term or on-going assistance for long distance caregivers. Personalized services based on individual needs.  Accessibility- we’re right there when you need us 24-7. Continuity of care provides a stable and knowledgeable resource.  Efficiency and flexibility based upon a client-centered approach.
 
WHO REFERS TO A CARE MANAGER? Attorneys, Hospitals, Senior housing communities, Doctors, Adult Protective Services, Banks, Insurance Brokers, Social Service Agencies, Pharmacies, Home delivered meals, Mental Health Providers
 
WHAT DOES A CARE MANAGER CHARGE? Fees vary, and most are not covered by insurance. The services of a care manager can save money when factoring loss from work, caregiver stress and family dynamics.
 
HOW DO I LOCATE A CARE MANAGER FOR MY FAMILY MEMBER IN ANOTHER AREA? Go to www.caremanager.org , call your local Agency on Aging.  Hiring a care manager to assist with your loved one’s needs when you cannot be there gives you peace of mind and confidence that their needs are being met. Everyone wins!

This article was written by Donna Granger, Granger Care Services, West Lafayette, Indiana.  Mrs. Granger is a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Managers.

COMMUNICATING WITH DEMENTIA

 Listening

1. Be patient and supportive.
2. Make eye contact and show interest.
3. Encourage the person while he/she tries to communicate.
4. Be patient. Give them time to communicate.
5. Don’t tell him/her that what they are saying is incorrect. Repeat what is said to clarify.
6. Don’t argue.
7. Try helping the person find the appropriate word.
8. Look for feelings behind the words.
9. Limit distractions.
10. Encourage the person to communicate nonverbally. 

Communicating 

1. Approach the person from the front and identify yourself.
2. Address the person by name.
3. Use short, simple, and familiar words and sentences.
4. Talk slowly and clearly.
5. Give one-step directions.
6. Guide the person.
7. Ask one question at a time.
8. Be patient. The person may need time to find the right words.
9. Repeat information or questions.
10. Try providing the solution, rather than the question.
11. The person with dementia may take statements literally. Be careful how you phrase statements.
12. Avoid pronouns.
13. Emphasize key words.
14. State the positive rather than the negative.
15. Use visual clues.