Families and Geriatric Care Managers As Advocate

When an elderly parent experiences difficulties with everyday living skills the adult child may be met with a host of professionals and paraprofessionals. Each person will very likely be working with a specific portion of the overall care of the client. Usually the parent will need a multidimensional assessment. This could include a medical evaluation, psychosocial history and possible psychological and psychiatric evaluations.

When the family is confronted with this array of new people coming into their lives they may feel overwhelmed by the number of questions and forms that need to be filled out. If many people are involved in the assessment process, it may seem that the same questions are being asked several times by different people. And, indeed, many of the questions are repeated.

The goal of the assessment is to identify the areas in which the parent or parents will need assistance. The assessment tools include questions relating to physical health, mental health, social supports, home environment, functioning in daily life, coping techniques and the current connections with social service agencies. these assessments lead to the agenda of intervention that my be needed for the parent to remain as independent as possible.

The family needs to be involved from the beginning. Family members do not need to become overwhelmed with technical terminology, ask questions. The only stupid questions are the ones that are not asked. Most professionals will be very willing to discuss their role in the overall assessment and answer any questions that arise. The children of the elderly should be an important member of the team. The parent may need an advocate, this can be a family member or a geriatric care manager.

When dealing with professionals, don't be afraid to ask questions. Each profession has their own terminology that the lay person might not be familiar with. Do your homework and research the problems if they are not explained clearly or if something is not understood. For example, the public library is a good resource for medical dictionaries and drug information. The local pharmacist will talk to you about the side effects, drug interactions, as well as the intended purpose for using particular medications.

Ask very specific questions regarding the professionals experience in dealing with t he elderly. Be aware of any indications of ageism. If this attitude is present, find someone else. If you don't agree with the diagnosis or course of treatment get a second opinion.

As an advocate or possible spokesperson for the parent, be informed. Working through the social systems can be baffling and intimidating, but with research and education it can be done. The best advocate is an informed advocate. Learn the process of assessments, ask questions, keep notes and be observant of the parent and the caregivers.

Never make assumptions related to the age of the individual. The advocate needs to be aware of their own value systems related to aging. Always work with the elderly parent or client and ask for their opinions and input throughout the course of the evaluations. A geriatric care manager, someone who is trained to work with the aging population can assist with information and help you weave through the array of social systems.

Information provided By Barb Banchich, MRC,CRC,LSW,LPN

If you have any question/ concerns or need assistance contact your local Geriatric Care Manager: Sheri D. Fanning, RN,CMC at 269-5888 or e-mail to sheri@caremate.com