What are some of the common crises faced by Geriatric Care Managers in home care? What are the events that if not identified and addressed early can result in life altering events for the elder and the elder’s family?
I can look at the past few weeks in the lives of our clients and give a small microcosm of the problems that plague our elders as well as some successful interventions that kept these elders healthy, safe and well cared for at home. Let me give so me examples:
– There was a UTI (urinary tract infection) that was identified early and treated with antibiotic before it could impact an older woman’s life in disproportionately negative ways.
– Another elder had dangerously high blood sugars which were brought under control by prescription of new medications and diabetic teaching. This man’s blood sugars had not been monitored and thus his doctor had no way of controlling the damage being done by raging hyperglycemia. His foot ulcers are now being treated by a local wound care clinic and started on the way to healing.
– Fall hazards were removed from a fall prone elder’s home. A safety alert system set in place to protect a frail elder at home alone.
– A negligent caregiver was confronted on poor care of her home care client. She was replaced with a more diligent caregiver.
– A hypertensive episode was averted by good teamwork with a primary doctor and home care and home health team. A potential stroke averted.
– There was an elderly man suffering in pain whose doctor received a call asking him for a stronger pain medication. He could not make that call himself and within a short period of time, he was out of pain.
The above were simple but successful interventions largely facilitated by skilled professionals who were simply paying attention.
Knowing what to look for and then the willingness and confidence to reach out to effect change is a core value and competency of Geriatric Care Managers.
