Phoebe Connecting Hearts

Phoebe Connecting Hearts FAQs

Q. What is a Geriatric Care Manager?

A. A Geriatric Care Manager is a health and human services professional, such as a gerontologist, nurse, social worker, or psychologist with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care.

A Geriatric Care Manager will work privately with older adults and their families to create and coordinate individualized and flexible plans of care that reflect clients' needs and wishes, with an emphasis on assisting them to remain at home with as much independence as possible.

A Geriatric Care Manager might be the answer if one or more of the following is true.

Mail and bills are piling up
House in need of repair or assistance needed with snow removal or lawn maintenance
Home in need of adaptations
Food left uneaten or spoiled
Physician appointments are missed
Repeated phone calls at odd hours
Forgets medication
Inappropriate behavior, clothing, or speech
Symptoms of depression
Assistance needed with transportation to physician appointments or grocery shopping
Assistance needed to check available benefits
Assistance needed with financial planning

In addition, out-of-town family members concerned about an older relative can call Phoebe's Care Manager to arrange needed services for their loved one and work with the Care Manager to monitor the situation. Our Geriatric Care Manager will keep you well informed so you can rest assured that your loved one is being well cared for.

Visits the client to interview them and their family
Completes a comprehensive assessment and plan of care
Provides consistent and effective monitoring and support to assure that the client's needs are being met
Provides family members with regular follow-up communication and updates on progress
Assists the client with arranging services such as:

In-home Companionship
Personal Care Aide
Meal Preparation
Light Housekeeping
Errand Services
Grocery Shopping and Delivery Services
Transportation Services
Laundry and Linen Services
Insurance Benefits
Physicians Visits
Recreational Activities
Grooming and Dressing Guidance
Emergency Response System
Visiting Nurses
Emergency response system
Personal Medication Reminder and Dispensing System
Transitional/Relocation Assesment and Services
Medication Management and Delivery Services

Coordinates 24 Hour Home Care
Screens, arranges and monitors in-home care and services
Offers counseling and support for the client, spouse and family
Educates the client and their family on elder issues such as fall management programs, respite for caregivers, and tips for coping with memory impairment
Makes regular friendly phone calls
Accompanies client to medical appointments
When necessary, assists with the best choice in alternate living arrangements

Q. Why should I choose Phoebe Connecting Hearts Geriatric Care Management Services when I can make the calls for services myself?

A. Knowing that services are available is not enough when it comes to the quality of care and preservation of dignity a loved one deserves.

Phoebe's Care Manager will research the options, recommend and coordinate the right services when you need them. Whether a loved one needs personal care assistance, companion care, safety supervision, transportation or other support services, Phoebe's Care Manager can help you select the best choice.

The high quality of services provided and arranged by Phoebe is just one aspect of our program that elevates us above others in the area. We remain committed to helping you reach your highest level of independence and function.

Q. How can I get my loved one to understand that it's time to let someone help?

A. Resistance to any kind of change is common, especially among the elder population. That's where having an objective third party involved can be helpful. The key is to gain the client's trust and acceptance and to keep them involved in decision-making.

A. Arrangements are flexible, lasting anywhere from a few hours to several years, depending on a family's needs. A one time, in home consultation with the Care Manager may be all that's needed to make recommendations, or you and the Care Manager may decide that ongoing Care Management services are needed.