Learn more at:
http://www.alzheimers.gov

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Learn more at:
http://www.alzheimers.gov

Click here to view the embedded video.

Learn more at:
http://www.alzheimers.gov

Click here to view the embedded video.

About 15 million people care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s in the US. Knowing what to expect and preparing for the challenges can help people with Alzheimer’s live better.

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he National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers has designated the month of May as National Geriatric Care Manager Month. Professional Geriatric Care Managers throughout the country will celebrate National Geriatric Care Manager Month by providing seminars, webinars, special events related to geriatric care management, open houses and other educational activities for the public.
“Geriatric Care Managers across the country work tirelessly to help aging family members and their caregivers to navigate the healthcare maze,” said C. Byron Cordes, president of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. “We hope to help the public better understand the work we do by establishing May as Geriatric Care Manager Month and devoting time towards improving education and awareness about geriatric care management.”
What is a Professional Geriatric Care Manager?
A Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) is a health and human services specialist who acts as a guide, advocate, and resource for families caring for older relatives and persons with disabilities. The GCM is trained and experienced in any of several fields related to care management, including nursing, gerontology, social work, or psychology.
Certified Geriatric Care Managers are specialized human service professionals advocating and directing the care of seniors and others facing ongoing health challenges. Working with families, their expertise provides the answers at a time of uncertainty. Their guidance and advocacy leads families to the actions and decisions that ensure quality care and an optimal life for those they love.
The following are signs for family caregivers that aging loved ones may be in need of assistance and it may be time to call in an expert such as a professional geriatric care manager:
*Not taking medication correctly
*Neglecting to pay bills or cash checks, vulnerable to financial abuse
*Concerns about driving ability
*Getting lost while driving or walking
*Hoarding
*Signs of confusion, poor judgment, increased memory loss
*Frequent falls or bruises
*Unexplained weight loss (10 lbs. or more in a 12-month period)
*Extremely suspicious
*Loss of interest in social activities/social isolation
*Forgetting food cooking on the stove, burnt pots, appliances left on
To find a professional geriatric care manager in your local area, please visit the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers website at http://www.caremanager.org and click on “Find a Care Manager.”
Geriatric care managers who are members of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM) are committed to adhering to the NAPGCM Pledge of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/4/prweb9459695.htm

Fifty-two year old Carolyn hated to admit that she was overwhelmed. She often felt on the verge of tears. Her near-perfect life had become a roller coaster. Standing in front of the mirror, she took stock.   Working, while managing her family, had come easily. Lately, however, her family complained about her unavailability.

The transition to mayhem started when her mother, Eva, suffered a broken hip at home. While Eva was in the hospital and rehab, Carolyn struggled to visit her before and after work.  The visits rarely went well. Her mother hated rehab and would indignantly refuse physical therapy. She wondered how they could possibly manage without help at home. Deeply loving her mother had still not made for an easy relationship. Mainly because she and her mom shared an undesirable trait: Each wanted to control everything.

Her usually helpful husband, now traveling for work, had adamantly ruled out Eva living with them. Her long distance brother was obviously no assistance. She asked herself:  Who will help me? What would be her daily plan? She’d get up at 5:30 a.m., and with Bill away, she’d do the necessities and drive the children to school. She’d go to Eva’s to get her up, dressed and fed. And, she’d still be at work for meetings she really couldn’t miss. Reality sunk in:  Who am I kidding?  Something had to give.

She related her concern to a colleague who told her about a local agency that provides specializes in eldercare and care management. It was available through the company’s Share The Care program. All she had to do was call them.

Carolyn spoke with a certified geriatric care manager, related their issues and she felt a burden lifting. They set a time for an assessment of her mother’s needs for a smooth transition back to home.

They both wanted to provide her mother with security, comfort, safety and to help restore her independence. The care manager would help manage Eva’s medications and assure doctor’s appointments were attended while Carolyn worked.

An excellent caregiver suited to her mother’s strong-will now provides personal assistance, help around the house and meal preparation. The caregiver reminds Eva to take her meds correctly and even shops for groceries. They play cards and create photo albums to pass the afternoons.

After a few weeks, she called to say how grateful she is that the caregiver is in their lives. She arrives at work on time, got her promotion and she hasn’t missed a single soccer match or school program. She makes it to Yoga and Pilates, her book club and church on time. She added that the peace of mind is the best part.

Her only regret is that she didn’t call the care manager sooner.

For more information visit www.walkforrides.org/ITNCharlestonTrident/

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