Are My Affairs in Order? And Not Just the Legal Ones!

The Role of a Geriatric Care ManagerThe share of the United States population over the age of 65 has risen to 16%, and it is expected to climb further to 23% by 2060. People are living longer, and that means that people also have more specialized health care needs.Aging life care calls for a different kind of attention, as various conditions and syndromes begin to present themselves. Depending on which conditions those are, the situation can get complicated pretty quickly. In some cases, it might be worthwhile to consider hiring a geriatric care manager.As we and our loved ones age, we usually end up needing support from the people around us to make sure our needs are met. Family members in particular tend to shoulder this responsibility. But there are many reasons that might make it difficult to have a good support network in place. The most common reason is that family caregivers simply live too far away to provide reliable senior care management.In this context, geriatric care managers can be thought of as "professional relatives." If a family member is not able to provide long term care, geriatric care managers can help provide any and all services related to elder care. They are usually licenced nurses or social workers who are trained in aging life care, and they organize care plans and advocate for their patients needs.If you hire a geriatric care manager, you will be able to count on them to navigate the complexities of the health care system. It can also be helpful to have someone who can make decisions from a neutral point of view, as family caregivers sometimes have to make difficult decisions that are deeply personal.The primary responsibilities of a geriatric care manager are:Coordinating elder care between multiple service providersDeveloping both short and long term care plansHelping manage emotional concerns, stress, and anxietiesHelping manage transitional careHiring additional caregivers as necessaryMake home visits and evaluate living conditionsOngoing assessment of aging life care needsAll of this helps take the pressure off family members and ensures that geriatric care management is always under control.When to Seek Support With an Aging Life Care ExpertThere are many cases in which families are perfectly capable of managing aging life care for someone they love. But it can be challenging to know when you might be taking on more than you can reasonably expect to handle. As discussed above, one of the most obvious challenges is that family members do not live near the person who needs their care. But other complications are not as straightforward.You should consider hiring a geriatric care manager when:You need help with a complex issue. Lots of medical conditions can lead to the kinds of behaviors that should really be handled by aging life care professionals. Issues related to dementia, verbal abuse, or physical violence are among these.Your loved one will not talk to you about their health. Whether it is out of concern for privacy, a soured relationship, or an inability to describe what they are experiencing, older adults sometimes do not let relatives help them. A geriatric care manager gives them someone they feel comfortable talking to about their health. You are having trouble communicating with service providers. Geriatric care managers have a better understanding of where other aging life care professionals are coming from, so if you have run into a wall in negotiations or are not able to get the information you are looking for, your care manager is in a position to communicate more effectively.You do not know what to do. Caring for a loved one can be complicated for reasons beyond their health. We always want the best for them, but sometimes there are multiple pathways and it is not clear which one will be best. Geriatric care managers can provide their objective point of view to help your loved one receive the senior care that is right for themFinding Geriatric Care ManagersA geriatric care manager does not have to hold a state level license. But because many of them come from fields in health care, they elect to maintain their credentials. Care managers who come from social work often have to have active licensure in order to practice in their state.So on the one hand, a lack of certification or licensure is not necessarily a deal breaker. On the other hand, it is important that they can demonstrate their experience as aging life care professionals. If you are hiring a geriatric care manager, be sure to ask about the following:Do they have direct experience with managing issues specific to your loved one? This is especially important to cover in cases of severe injury or cognitive decline.Do they have experience with crisis care management? If your loved one is prone to seizures or is at high risk for falls or heart attacks, aging life care professionals need to know how to handle this type of emergency situation. Also ask them if they are available to respond around the clock, or if they have set hours.How will they communicate information to you? It might seem like a tedious question, but being on the same page about communication methods and styles can save everyone a lot of frustration and confusion.Can they provide references? It can be hard to really understand who you are working with based on their resume alone. Talking to people who know them well is a good way to corroborate your first impressions.How are their costs and fees structured? Senior care can be expensive it is typically not covered under Medicare or most other insurance plans so it is important to understand how much things will cost up front. Geriatric care managers charge by the hour, typically within a range of $75200 per hour.When families turn to aging life care professionals for care management services, they need to know as much as possible about the roles and responsibilities of the people they are bringing into the fold. Geriatric care managers help families navigate the complexities of elder care and relieve them of the stress and anxiety that so often comes along with it. They are experienced in working with a variety of national and local resources, care providers, and care services to ensure the highest quality of life possible.Give me a call for a FREE 20 minute consultation at 714-403-7040. source: Keystone Health, 2024. https://keystone.health/geriatric-care-manager-role-responsibilities#table-of-contents

Loving Touch: Professional Organizers for SeniorsA home is more than just a place; its a sanctuary filled with memories, love, and comfort. For seniors, the home represents decades of life, experiences, and cherished moments. As time passes, however, maintaining this space can become overwhelming. The thought of downsizing or reorganizing can feel daunting, especially when it means parting with items that hold sentimental value. Thats where A Call to Order Professional Organizers steps in. With a loving touch, we help seniors navigate these changes, ensuring that their homes remain a reflection of who they are and what they love.Understanding the Emotional Needs of SeniorsAs we age, our connection to our homes deepens. Every corner, every item has a story, a memory attached. For seniors, the idea of reorganizing or downsizing can bring about a flood of emotionsnostalgia, fear of losing independence, and even anxiety about the future. Its not just about rearranging items; its about preserving dignity, honoring memories, and creating a space that feels safe and comforting.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand that the process of organizing a seniors home is not just a physical task but an emotional journey. Our approach is centered around empathy and respect. We take the time to listen, to understand what each item means to our clients, and to ensure that their wishes are honored.We work closely with seniors to create a space that reflects their current needs while still holding onto the essence of their life story. Whether its deciding which items to keep, donate, or pass on to loved ones, we guide them through each step with patience and understanding. Our goal is not just to organize a space but to create an environment where they feel safe, loved, and at peace.Tips for a Compassionate Organizing ProcessOrganizing a seniors home requires a delicate balance of practicality and emotional sensitivity. Here are some tips to ensure that the process is both effective and compassionate:Start with a Conversation: Before diving into the organizing process, have an open conversation with your loved one. Discuss their feelings, fears, and hopes for the future. Understanding their emotional state will guide you in making decisions that respect their wishes.Take It Slow: Downsizing or organizing can be overwhelming, so its important to take it one step at a time. Break the process down into manageable tasks, focusing on one room or area at a time. This approach reduces stress and allows for thoughtful decision-making.Honor Their Memories: Recognize the sentimental value of items and find ways to honor those memories. For instance, if a senior has to part with a beloved piece of furniture, consider taking a photo of it or writing down its history. This way, the memory is preserved even if the item is no longer in the home.Involve Them in the Process: Empower seniors by involving them in the organizing process. Allow them to make decisions about what stays and what goes. This not only ensures that their wishes are respected but also helps them maintain a sense of control and independence.Create a Space for the Future: As you organize, keep in mind the future needs of your loved one. Consider their mobility, health, and daily routines. The goal is to create a space that is not only organized but also functional and safe for years to come.A Call to Order Professional Organizers is committed to providing compassionate and thoughtful organizing services for seniors. We believe that a home should be a source of comfort and joy, and our role is to help seniors maintain that sense of belonging. With our loving touch, we transform homes into spaces that are organized, functional, and filled with love. Whether its helping with a small reorganization project or guiding through the process of downsizing, we are here to support seniors every step of the way.Organizing a seniors home is about much more than decluttering; its about preserving a lifetime of memories and creating a space where they can continue to thrive. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we approach every project with empathy, patience, and care. Our goal is to ensure that seniors feel respected, loved, and supported throughout the process. With our professional organizing services, we help seniors not just manage their space but embrace a new chapter of their lives with confidence and peace of mind.

The following are useful tips that will help you have difficult conversations with your family members about the changes that are to come regarding their care. It is not always easy for people to admit that they need help, or they need a change. Discussing their current conditions with them and asking them questions about their care preferences can make this easier. Keeping these tips in mind will help make the process a little easier and less stressful for everyone. 1. Do your best to pick a good time that works for your loved one. 2. Speak in a calm reassuring voice, but do not speak to them like they are a child. 3. Never miss the opportunity to listen to them. If possible, get with other family members and their support system. Address their concerns and voice your concerns in equal measure and agree which on of your concerns are the most important. 4. Try and be consistent among all of you on the conversations you are having with your loved one. 5. Keep the conversation short. Talking about too many changes at once can be overwhelming. Start with one or two topics that are you are most concerned about such as safety, medications, or nutrition. 6. Remember that this change is the most stressful for the senior. They may be concerned about losing their independence or control. Reassure them that you are concerned for their health and safety and not trying to take away their autonomy. 7. Be organized on your thoughts and look for things that you agree on even if they are not related to the topic at hand. 8. Talk about a friend who is receiving care. This can be a good introduction to the conversation and reassure them that you will be there with them when their time comes.  9. Do not expect to resolve your concerns with one conversation. This discussion may take several weeks or even months. Take baby steps. 10. Ask questions. See if they will be open to you about their concerns. It is common that their concerns, if they are willing to share with you, are going to be similar to yours. Question Example: Keeping track of all those medications must be really confusing. How do you feel about that? Listen carefully to their answer! If they agree to changes, offer to help. For example, I can help you do that when I come visit on Saturdays.   If they do not agree to changes: a. If you feel they are safe, leave it alone for a week or a month and revisit the topic later.b. If you do not feel they are safe take a stronger approach - Can I help you and we do it together next time? I want to know how this works in case you need help down the road.    11. Before you react to a concern or objection from your loved one, ask another question such as Tell me more about that or What do you mean by that? This may help them open up and you can learn more about their underlying concerns or worries. 12. Remember that every person and their situation is unique. Even if you have done this for another family member this is a new person. Do not try and put your expectations for their care on them.     If you have had this difficult conversation with your loved one and dont know where to go next, we can help!     Call PIECES today at 970-837-1579 for more information!