Elder care needs are often complex. As we age, basic concerns may become vital concerns. Geriatric Care Management is a service offered by JFS of Metrowest that provides solutions using an integrated approach to complete care coverage, allowing elders to prolong independence and remain in their homes without strife.
The social workers at Generations Care Management work one-on-one with clients to understand their unique needs and plan an appropriate course of action. Treatment plans often include referrals to financial, legal, and medical services, accompaniment and transportation to medical visits and communication with health care providers, assessment of home safety and medical and psychosocial status and mediations with family to coordinate care.
Licensed social workers and registered nurses work one on one with the client to determine their specific needs and to develop a plan which can include:
- Orchestrating home and personal care
- Finding appropriate residential options
- Connecting client to specialists and resources
Geriatric Care Management helps people like Buddy. At 88, Buddy’s proclivities have not changed much through the years. He is still outspoken and opinionated. In a sea of quiet—he is the welcomed jovial voice. A guy’s guy, Buddy often spends time with friends, playing cards, talking about daily life and taking pleasures in the little things.
Community service has always been a large part of Buddy’s life. He and his wife were active volunteers in the Jewish community—delivering turkeys on Thanksgiving and donating their time and energies whenever they could. A true marker of dedication is Buddy’s 60 years of service as an usher at Temple Emanuel. He also made calls at CJP’s Super Sunday phone-a-thon fundraiser and delivered meals to housebound seniors.
Geriatric Care Management has allowed Buddy to remain independent and active. With the assistance of GCM, Buddy found a living placement in senior housing that best suits his needs and desires. GCM also provided Buddy with the tools and support to continue living independently. His independence has afforded him the opportunity to become active in programs offered at his residence.
The many friendships he has made with fellow residents keep his mind sharp and his schedule busy.
“I participate in all the Jewish programming here,” Buddy says.
He is a regular at the monthly Kesher Shabbat service, and he is also matched with a trained volunteer “Friendly Visitor,” both additional programs offered through JFS of Metrowest. The relationship Buddy built with his Friendly Visitor has blossomed into something more than service– a friendship that has sustained itself through moves and travel, and personal conflicts.
Geriatric Care Management does more than provide services, it sustains an independent life style. It enables elders to continue living lives of dignity and decreases the worries so often associated with aging. No two clients are alike but the end result is always the same. Through GCM, clients achieve independence, dignity and peace of mind. Buddy is proof of the benefits of GCM. There are so many other elders who could benefit, too.
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