A special thank you to Julie Latson, Director of Strategic Partnerships at CareFor, for providing today’s guest blog. CareFor was founded in 2000 with the goal of providing a patient-first perspective to in-home care and case management. For more information, visit carefor.com.com.
Although we all experience the process of growing older, the daily realities of aging can be different for everyone, and harder than expected. Hospital systems and insurance companies are often opaque, making it difficult to learn the details of a new diagnosis or medication, while delving deeper can leave one feeling overwhelmed, unprepared and isolated.
Family caregivers often bear the brunt of this responsibility, and many eventually reach a point where outside support is essential. Even a family member with the best preparation and intentions can find themselves in need of a light illuminating their path through the dark.
The good news is, you don’t have to do this alone! And quite honestly, you shouldn’t! A professional care manager can be that guiding light, offering streamlined care, relieving the daily burden of navigating a confusing system or diagnosis and allowing families the peace of mind they need to focus on building meaningful connections rather than managing caregiving logistics.
Plus, a professional in this field knows the ins and outs of the process and can alleviate a lot of the stress families and care givers experience during this challenging time. Understanding what care managers do and how they can make a difference can empower families to make informed decisions that preserve strong familial relationships.
What Can a Professional Care Manager Do that a Family Member Can’t?
A professional care manager is trained to offer expert guidance across the spectrum of healthcare and support services for aging individuals. At CareFor, we employ registered nurses and licensed master social workers with decades of experience in Austin-area home health care to provide families with a better understanding of the challenges that accompany old age.
One of the primary roles of a care manager is to provide expert guidance in navigating the complexities of the health care system. Care managers may attend medical appointments alongside the family or on their behalf, ensuring a clear understanding of diagnoses, treatments and medications.
They become a reliable point of contact for health care providers, facilitating communication to prevent gaps in care. They may also assist in medication management to mitigate errors and ensure that medications are administered safely and correctly.
When is it Time to Hire a Care Manager?
Many families attempt to take on care management themselves with the best of intentions, putting their dedication and love into supporting their family members during a time of need.
However, these responsibilities can quickly reach unsustainable levels, especially when attempting to balance other work and personal obligations. This strain often leads to burnout, which can be characterized by overwhelm, chronic fatigue, and irritability—all of which make it harder to provide a high quality of care.
When family caregivers begin to experience these signs, it may be time to seek external help from a professional care manager. Care managers can take on many of the logistical and emotional aspects of care, providing essential support that allows family members to take a step back and focus on their well-being.
Support Beyond Healthcare
The role of a care manager can also extend beyond traditional healthcare. Care managers offer invaluable assistance in understanding and coordinating benefits, including health insurance, long-term care plans, Social Security, and Medicare and Medicaid.
They can advise on how to access additional services that improve the quality of life, like adult day programs or community social activities. Care managers may also conduct home safety evaluations to ensure that the environment is conducive to aging in place, reducing fall risks and other hazards.
Why Choose CareFor?
At CareFor, our mission is to provide families in Central Texas with compassionate, personalized support. Founded by Debbie Pearson in 2000, CareFor’s team of highly trained and experienced care managers brings decades of combined nursing and social work experience, offering families peace of mind that their loved ones are in capable hands.
Our collaborative work environment means that there is always a care manager available who is familiar with each family’s unique situation, ensuring seamless continuity of care. CareFor can be as involved as necessary, adjusting our services based on each family’s evolving needs.
In addition to care managers, CareFor offers caregiving services, which can be implemented alongside or independently of care management. This allows for a deep well of knowledge within the same agency, ensuring that your family receives attentive and consistent care without the need to juggle multiple providers.
Does Medicare Cover Care Management?
In some cases, Medicare may cover professional care management. It’s a good idea to speak with your trusted Medicare agent about the specifics of your plan and your healthcare needs. If you have two or more serious chronic conditions, Medicare may pay for a health care provider’s help to manage your care for those conditions.
While Medicare may cover care management for these conditions, it generally does not cover broader “geriatric care management” services that may involve non-medical aspects of daily living.
A Professional Care Manager Makes the Difference
Hiring a professional care manager can transform the caregiving experience, allowing families to manage their loved one’s care with less stress and more confidence. With the expertise and support of a care manager, family members can prioritize the emotional bonds that make these years meaningful while knowing their loved one’s medical and lifestyle needs are in good hands.
CareFor is here to support Central Texas families on this journey, providing compassionate, expert care to ensure that aging family members can live and thrive with dignity, respect and continuity.