Life is filled with processes. Although we would sometimes like to think of life changes in a linear mode, it is true that a process or several processes often need to take place. Sometimes we “see a need and fix it”. That works well for certain things for example, providing transportation to medical appointments and helping with the grocery shopping.
When dealing with seniors whose lives are in flux however, it may seem clear to families what needs to happen and we wonder why our loved one is not sharing our view. As a Care Manager, one of my primary functions is to help all of the care participants – clinical team, family, sometimes the medical team and most importantly, and often the most difficult, the client, to move in the same general direction.
This takes experience with the subject under discussion and many years of working with seniors in transition.
It is quite usual for Mom and daughter and/or the son to be on a completely different page about moving, for example. Should there be a move and where should we move Mom to? What if she refuses to go? What if we run out of money – how can we adjust the plan and how will I convince Mom to go? What if she completely has her heels dug in and has no intention of moving out of her house? Does she really need to move at all?
These are very difficult decisions for busy family members to contemplate, research and carry out. Inviting a Geriatric Care Manager onto your team will make all of the difference in how smoothly things run. We can truly help with process – it is one of the many needs we fill!