May is National Older Americans Month and a good time to promote Geriatric Care Management and the role it plays in helping seniors navigate complex health decisions. It’s not widely known that many home health agencies offer geriatric care management as part of their care services. A geriatric care manager is generally a licensed nurse or social worker who acts as a surrogate relative to advise patients and their caregivers on appropriate short and long-term care planning. They are especially helpful to seniors who do not have family close by. Care managers routinely:
Act as advocates
Assist with decision making
Evaluate short and long-term care needs
Explain complex medical issues
Coordinate care services
Direct and supervise caregivers
Assess insurance benefits
Refer estate planners
Communicate with long-distance family members
Consult with physicians
Home health care provides seniors with a collaborative team approach to health care, to identify and execute care practices based on the changing needs of the patient. As the senior population continues to grow and the need for care managers increases, it’s more important than ever that home health agencies promote this area of service.
Make senior care your marketing focus throughout National Older Americans Month. Here are some ideas for promoting home health services for seniors in your community:
Conduct classes on elder care at places of worship with large senior memberships. Start by explaining the basic areas where home health care services excel: geriatric care management, post-acute care, chronic illness care, functional disability therapies, palliative care.
Partner with local insurance providers and estate planners to host lunch-and-learns at senior centers throughout your service area. Provide materials that outline your services and the convenience of receiving health care in the home.
Arrange a therapy dog visitation day with skilled service facilities in your area to provide some fur baby love to the staff and patients. Partner with volunteers from the Local Pet therapy provider in your area.
Call on assisted living communities to promote how partnering with home health care can benefit their residents struggling with declining mobility and other chronic health conditions. Provide information on your occupational and physical therapy services and how they can help residents maintain their independence longer.
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