WNY Family Magazine March 2019 | Page 33

Finding a Geriatric Care Manager When interviewing a geriatric care manager, you might want to ask:  Are you a licensed geriatric care manager?  How long have you been provid- ing care management services?  Are you available for emergen- cies around the clock?  Does your company also provide home care services?  How will you communicate in- formation to me?  What are your fees? Will you provide information on fees in writing prior to starting services?  Can you provide references? The best resource for finding a lo- cal geriatric care manager is through the Aging Life Care Association (formerly the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers) at 1-520-881- 8008, or visit its website at www.ag- inglifecare.org. There are several in the Buffalo metro area. How Do You Know That You Need A Geriatric Care Manager? When caregiving for an aging family member becomes overwhelming it may be time to contact a professional. You may need a professional if the person you are caring for:  has multiple medical or psychological issues  is unable to live safely in their current environment  is not pleased with current care providers and requires advocacy  is confused about their own financial and/or legal situation  has limited or no family support Or, if your family:  Has just become involved with helping the individual and needs direc- tion about available services  Is either “burned out” or confused about care solutions  Has limited time and/or expertise in dealing with the individual’s chronic care needs and does not live close by  Is at odds regarding care decisions  Needs education and/or direction in dealing with behaviors associated with dementia — Source: Aging Life Care Association B eechwood c ontinuing c are Local ~ Not-for-Profit Senior Care Communities Beechwood Continuing ation of 14 households and the Care’s Welcome Home initiative establishment of “open dining” at is facility-wide and focused on the Blocher Homes. The enhancing as many aspects as pos- “Households” include a country sible to make kitchen, liv- Blocher and ing area and Beechwood a dining area true home for replacing the its residents. traditional This vision of “institution- eliminating al” model of the institu- care where tional environ- you typically ment from the find long, ster- nursing home Residents enjoy Blocher Homes dining. ile corridors and its assisted and nursing living residence is an effort geared stations. The Welcome Home toward producing positive and initiative empowers residents meaningful impact upon the resi- to make as many choices about dents’ quality of life as well as their how they would like care deliv- health. ered to them to the extent that The Beechwood Homes have they are capable. undergone changes to implement Beechwood Continuing Care is this initiative including the cre- a local not-for-profit organization, located in Amherst, that provides a full continuum of care including independent senior apartment homes, assisted living, sub-acute rehabilitation, and skilled nursing care. If you are interested in learning more about Welcome Home, house- hold living or any of Beechwood’s facilities, please call 810-7370 or visit www.beechwoodcare.org. Asbury Pointe Independent Living Retirement Community 716-810-7500 Blocher Homes Assisted & Enhanced Living Community 716-810-7400 Beechwood Homes Skilled Nursing ~ Person-Centered Care 716-810-7000 Wesley Rehabilitation Center Sub-Acute Short Term Rehabilitation 716-810-7000 www.beechwoodcare.org Paid Advertisement March 2019 WNY Family 33