| Geriatric Care Managers Lead Highly Skilled Teams |  |
| Geriatric Care Managers Lead Highly Skilled Teams | |
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A Model Approach to Health Care |
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by Rona S. Bartelstone, LCSW, BCD, CMC, C-ASWCMAARP’s April Bulletin, in its lead article, focused on the successful efforts of several health care systems to "reward doctors and hospitals for taking better care of patients at lower costs." This is not only laudable, but essential, given our economy and exploding older population. Isn’t it interesting that it has taken so long to learn the basic lesson that "quality may actually be the best way of reducing costs?" According to the article, "a coordinated approach to primary care, electronic health records and engaging the patient (I’d say consumer) in their own care" are among the factors leading to these system improvements. This is precisely what Geriatric Care Managers and, specifically SeniorBridge, have known and implemented for years! The SeniorBridge model is built on the concept of an integrated professional team which assures the efficient delivery of care across settings. The Care Management team creates a consumer-centered focus that enables our professionals to individualize the plan of care based upon the health, social, financial and environmental needs of each client system. In the process of creating this team, the care recipient, along with his/her family and other social supports, is central. Professional Care Managers empower consumers to take back control of their preferences for care, ensuring consistency with their needs, culture, faith tradition and lifestyle. The approach helps engage the consumer in decisions, which improves compliance with care and consistent follow-up for treatments. A central task of this professionally-led team is to assure that consumers are helped across points of transition – from primary care, to hospital, to rehab and home. The Care Management team assures that accurate health and social information is transmitted to all care providers, assists caregivers to understand the social and emotional needs of the care recipient and coordinates the timely delivery of all community services, equipment and supports. SeniorBridge has the unique advantage of having a proprietary electronic database that provides for the housing and appropriate dissemination of individual consumers' health and social status. This extensive information, along with monitoring changes of health status in the community, assures efficient data for the physician. When the consumer goes for a doctor appointment, s/he will have real information about the client's situation in the home setting and will be able to deliver more effective care. The data assures that the Care Management team can answer questions about prevention, treatments and lifestyle for the consumer and the medical team. SeniorBridge's coordinated approach, using electronic data systems and engaging the consumer has assured our clients the opportunity to maximize the benefits of the current health care system. The focus of our Care Management approach assures timely, efficient delivery of quality care and support for clients and their families. We believe that integrated professional teams with Care Managers in a central role will facilitate a more successful outcome for health reform…this time around. Here's to your health and to quality care at the most efficient cost! |
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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