Answer
I live in Seattle, Washington and my mother lives in Richmond, Virginia. She's experiencing the onset of dementia but is still able to take care of most of her daily needs. Because I love her, I want to be able to monitor this ability, while at the same time respecting her dignity and independence. Also, she's involved with several service providers and vendors, like the bank, her doctor, those sorts of things. I want to be sure they're doing a good job for her and try to do what I can to protect her from those who would take advantage of her. She has few friends and there's no other family in the area.
The need has taken on a sense of urgency since her doctor called me and told me he was concerned that Mom isn't taking her medications properly. I've flown to Richmond several time over the past few months, and although I can afford the trips, I really can't afford the time, having a family of my own. How can a geriatric care manager help me solve this dilemma?
Take heart, Ms. Smith, a geriatric care manager is exactly what you and your mother need. You can start by going to the website for the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. Go to the "locate a care manager link," scroll down to Virginia and look for Richmond. There's probably at least one geriatric care manager listed there. Before you contact any of them, go to the "what you need to know link," and learn the right questions to ask. These questions cover areas such as what you can expect to pay, the care manager's experience and qualifications, what kind of services they offer, and a wealth of other helpful information.
Make the contacts with the geriatric care managers, ask them the questions important to you, and learn what that individual is willing and able to do. They will likely want to do an assessment first, and then based on that assessment, offer the services both you and the care manager agree is important. Be sure all of this information is clear, and try to get as much as possible in writing. As you are going through the process, be sure and remember who the client is. You may be paying for it, but your mother's rights and privacy need to be protected. In other words, it's best to include her in the process as much as possible.
Over time, you can decide if a difference is being made both for your needs and your mother's benefit. Assessment is an ongoing process, and you, your mother, and the care manager can alter the services and contract as needed. If you can afford it, a geriatric care manager can help you rest easy. You might be thousands of miles away, but a trained and experienced professional is right there in Richmond, only a phone call away from you.
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