The Importance of Having a Geriatric Care Manager as Your Advocate

As our loved ones age, their healthcare needs become more complex. Medications, doctor visits, and daily routines can all have a significant impact on their well-being. Without close monitoring, important details can slip through the cracks. This is where a geriatric care manager becomes invaluable.

Take the case of our hypothetical Mr. Thompson, an 82-year-old living alone in an assisted living facility. After a routine doctor’s visit, he was prescribed a new medication for high blood pressure. Over the next few weeks, his caregivers noticed he had become withdrawn, fatigued, and uninterested in activities he once enjoyed. Without nearby family to check in regularly, his decline was initially dismissed as a normal part of aging.

Mr. Thompson was close to being classified as “failure to thrive” because in 3 weeks’ time, he had lost weight, was isolating in his room, would not walk to the dining room and had a very flat affect. These are all signs that people may be starting to transition to another phase of life. The GCM in this case, asked the PCP to see him. PCP sent in a psych specialist who “tested for cognition and depression”, but she couldn’t find anything wrong. It was the RN/GCM who did her research and learned of the side effect, called the cardiologist, who took him off of it!

Within days, Mr. Thompson's mood and energy levels improved. Fortunately, Mr. Thompson had a geriatric care manager overseeing his care. This situation highlights a critical point: seniors need an advocate who is closely monitoring their health and well-being. Many elderly individuals are on multiple medications, and without someone ensuring that everything is working in harmony, dangerous interactions or side effects can go unnoticed. Family members often juggle their own responsibilities and may not always be available to catch subtle changes in their loved one’s health.

A geriatric care manager provides professional oversight, ensuring that health concerns are addressed promptly, medications are carefully reviewed, and care plans are adjusted as needed. They bridge the gap between medical providers, caregivers, and families, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for aging individuals.

If you or a loved one could benefit from extra support, consider contacting us to see how we can help.