| Geriatric Care Managers Lead Highly Skilled Teams |  |
| Geriatric Care Managers Lead Highly Skilled Teams | |
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Success Story: A Rewarding Relationship |
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by Marilyn Goldman, LCSW-C, GCMMrs. L, 89, is a widow with a history of depression, anxiety and a moderate level of dementia. She also has a history of breast cancer (which has been in remission for several years) and uses a cane due to a previous break of the femur. For five years, Mrs. L, who used to be very socially active, has been living in an independent living facility apartment. The facility offers weekly activities and outings as well as in-house physical therapy. Mrs. L has two very supportive daughters, one who lives locally and assists with activities of daily living, and one out of town who helps with planning and coordinating. She also has a large extended family. After Mrs. L had a minor car accident and decided to stop driving, her daughters felt she would benefit from additional help. They learned about SeniorBridge through the company’s website. The daughters informed SeniorBridge that their mother was fearful of becoming like her brother who had dementia. She was often anxious and berated herself for forgetting simple things. In addition, she needed constant prompting to accomplish basic activities and to engage in social activities. More and more, she was becoming socially isolated. SeniorBridge began caregiver services 16 hours weekly, assisting Mrs. L with getting up in the mornings and reminding her to take her medications and to eat. The caregiver also assisted with socialization, engaging Mrs. L in a knitting project, and accompanying her to medical appointments and to the grocery store. The caregiver also read to Mrs. L, walked her to dinner in the facility’s dining room, took her to local community events and helped address her spiritual needs. For Mrs. L, the relationship has become therapeutic. Despite being introverted, she now tells her Care Manager about her fears, allowing the Care Manager to provide emotional support. The Care Manager communicates regularly with the daughters on Mrs. L’s progress as well as to follow-up on doctor appointments. She was able to get a physical therapist to come into the home and she also has had Mrs. L’s medications evaluated. In addition, the Care Manager provides guidance to the SeniorBridge caregiver on beneficial activities and effective ways to communicate with Mrs. L. She has developed a "Therapeutic Activity Log" to provide daily activity reports. Mrs. L continues to live in her apartment. While her interactions and activities have decreased over time, she is accepting increased caregiver services and Care Management visits. Her physical issues are being addressed successfully with in-home therapy and she takes her medications as prescribed with verbal prompting. Recognizing Mrs. L’s love for classical music, the Care Manager is looking into the possibility of a music therapist. All around, it has been a rewarding relationship. |
About SeniorBridge
Why put the care of your loved ones with SeniorBridge? Our company’s unique approach addresses the total well-being of clients and their families through a comprehensive program that includes assessment, planning, service coordination, advocacy, and direct care by an interdisciplinary team led by a geriatric care manager. Read More About Us |
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