The Role of Geriatric Care Managers in Navigating the Aging Process

Geriatric Care Manager at RVNAhealth

What is a Geriatric Care Manager and why would I need one? This is an important question many have, but few know much (or enough) about! So let’s set the stage…

  • Do you have a loved one who has experienced a recent health or cognition change that will affect their daily or future living?
  • Do you know someone who is living alone or might need more care?
  • Do your loved ones have advanced directives in place, and have you had end-of-life care and wish discussions?

These scenarios only skim the surface in the range of topics that a Geriatric Care Manager can assist with. Whether seeking help during a period of transition or simply planning for the future, RVNAhealth’s Geriatric Care Management team of licensed clinical social workers offers expert senior guidance, advocacy, and support.

Help Designed For Navigating The Aging Journey

Navigating the complex world of senior care and aging requires careful knowledge and time. As RVNAhealth’s Geriatric Care Manager, Amy Feder, LCSW, CDP, CCM, works to support and educate clients and family members through their unique aging journey.

“I consider a large part of my role as an educator. Often, when a loved one experiences a sudden health or cognitive change, the children or spouse are not prepared for what those changes mean. Most are not aware of critical resources and options available to them.  That’s where I come in. I am a passionate counselor and advocate for our senior population. And helping individuals and families navigate the aging process is an honor,” says Amy.

Amy spends much of her time meeting with clients to understand needs, developing a plan, and then getting to work in connecting them with relevant and available resources and options. That work can span a wide range of support depending on an individuals’ needs and circumstances. Support may come in the form of education or advocacy on health and medical resources, connection to legal or financial assistance, social services, living and caregiving options, end-of-life planning, and more. “It can be really hard to summarize the services of a Geriatric Care Manager,” says Amy. “But that’s the beauty and importance of what this role is all about – it’s about each individual client and family and assisting them with their own specific needs.”

Questions or Want to Discuss a Geriatric Care Management Need?

RVNAhealth’s Geriatric Care Managers are available to clients on a private-pay basis for as little as an hour or for as long as an individual or family would like for ongoing needs and oversight.  “A lot can be accomplished in a one hour conversation,” says Amy. But she encourages anyone interested in learning more to first reach out for a free 15-minute consultation to help determine your specific needs.  If you have an inquiry or questions about Geriatric Care Management at RVNAhealth, please call us at 203.438.5555 option 2.

About Amy Feder, LCSW, CDP, CCM, RVNAhealth Geriatric Care Manager

Amy Feder, RVNAhealth Geriatric Care Manager, LCSW, CDP, CMCPrior to her new role, Amy worked as an RVNAhealth Hospice and Palliative Care Social Worker.  She has also worked for many years as a Geriatric Care Manager for the Senior Choice at Home program through Jewish Senior Services. Amy’s background as a Certified Dementia Practitioner/ Geriatric Case Manager has provided her a unique ability in supporting geriatric patients and their families.  Amy has facilitated caregiver support groups throughout assisted living facilities in Connecticut and has spoken on the importance of self-care for family members caring for elderly loved ones.

Amy received her Master’s in Social Work from NYU in 1994, and has worked at both NYU Medical Center and Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.  Amy is a member of the Alzheimer’s Association, NASW, a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), and Certified Care Manager (CCM) through the National Academy of Certified Care Managers. She feels it is a privilege to provide care for the senior population.

 

 

About RVNAhealth

RVNAhealth is a private, 501c(3) non-profit organization which provides a continuum of care to people in 35+ towns across Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven Counties. RVNAhealth depends on financial support from individuals like you who believe that healthy communities improve the quality of life for everyone. Every gift — no matter the size — is critical to upholding our mission and sustaining our important work. If you would like to support RVNAhealth’s mission to deliver unmatched, compassionate healthcare when and where it is needed, please click here.

Patient Provider Choice Matters & It’s Your Right!

Patient rights in choosing a health care provider

While no one likes to think about health-related “what ifs,” the unexpected does happen. For individuals that experience injury or illness resulting in a hospital stay, the road to recovery can sometimes take a while. And in some cases, a doctor will recommend continued recovery at home under the care and oversight of a home health agency, like RVNAhealth. When faced with the need for home health care, it is important to know your rights in choosing who provides that care.

The Patient’s Right to Choose

The right to choose who provides your health care is protected under federal law and it is fundamental to patient autonomy and the principle of person-centered care. Hospitals requiring discharge to home health care must inform their patients of their right and option to choose a provider.

How Should the Choice Process Work?

The process of being assigned to a home health agency should ideally involve collaboration between you or family, hospital staff (such as a Case Manager), healthcare providers, and sometimes social workers. However, due to the nation-wide shortage of healthcare workers, we often hear stories of hospital patients being preemptively assigned to a home health agency and asked if they are okay with it, or if they would like to choose another agency. While this might seem like helpful and proactive action from hospital staff, this can be ‘putting the cart before the horse’ if you just accept what has been assigned.  It’s important to empower yourself with the knowledge of what home health care is out there and what you need.

What are Some Factors I Should Use in Choosing a Home Health Agency?

  • Have you used service with a Home Health Agency in the past? If yes, it is beneficial to consider using that same agency again (assuming your prior experience was good). Returning to the same agency can offer a more seamless experience – considering the agency’s familiarity with your medical history, and your familiarity with them. Be sure to speak up and let hospital staff know what agency you used before and that you want to use them again.
  • What services do you need now and possibly need in the near term future? It is recommended that you think about services you need now as well as possible services you might need in the future. Does the agency you are considering offer all these services? For example, maybe you are a cardiac patient that needs skilled nursing and physical therapy now, but you may possibly need Palliative care in the future. Find out if the agency you choose can serve your evolving future needs. As discussed above, continuity of service with the same agency can be a tremendous asset to both you and your overall care.
  • What insurance do you have? Be very careful with this one as you don’t want a huge bill or a lack of coverage: If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicaid plan, you need to validate insurance coverage before finalizing your home health agency choice. But with straight Medicare coverage you should not have insurance acceptance concerns with well-established agencies.
  • What if you have no preference or time to do your research? Ask questions! Ask your hospital Case Manager for two or three recommended choices. Ask who might serve your specific health needs (and potential future needs) best and why. Ask what geographic area they serve. Ask if their staffing is solid or if they have trouble with cancellation of visits.

As the demand for home health care continues to grow, advocating for and protecting a patient’s right to choose ensures that the evolving healthcare landscape remains centered on the needs and preferences of the individuals it serves. It’s important to communicate openly with your healthcare team, express your preferences, and ask any questions you may have about the transition to home health care. They are there to support you through the process and ensure that you receive the appropriate care tailored to your needs. If you have any questions regarding RVNAhealth services, please contact us at 203.438.5555 or visit our website at rvnahealth.org.