Very often children take on the responsibility of looking after their parents as they grow older. While this is admirable, the increasing complexity of health and financial issues facing today's elderly can become overwhelming. And the stress of trying to negotiate the maze of financial and health-related issues can often put strain on the parent-children relationship.

A geriatric care manager (GCM) can help. A GCM will look after the client's finances search and apply for helpful programs and benefits, and administrate claims on insurance and Medicare. They can use their experience and contacts to suggest high quality assisted living facilities, in-home care providers, and nursing homes should the need arise. A GCM can also help locate reputable legal help for estate planning, wills, powers of attorney, health care directives, and Medicaid. When children live too far away or lack the considerable time it takes to care for a loved one, a GCM can even do shopping, pay bills, balance the checkbook, and protect a senior from scams.

The primary benefit of a good GCM is peace of mind, but choose with great care. Unscrupulous individuals are out there, so be certain your GCM has a spotless reputation. Monitor the GCM's handling of your loved one's affairs closely. An excellent resource is the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers website, www.caremanager.org.

click here for our other services.....

NYNewsday.com, 2-28-04