What should caregivers in Wilmington know about the rate of elder abuse in the state?
Mitigating elder abuse is another role that a geriatric care manager in Wilmington can take on. Elder abuse may be defined as financial fraud intended to victimize older adults and is far more common than you might think. The following statistics reveal how many cases of elder abuse are reported in North Carolina each year:
While it’s good news that there are fewer cases of elder fraud than expected in North Carolina, you have to remember that elder abuse frequently goes unreported. The risk is real, and a GCM can help your senior by pointing out common red flags and monitoring their accounts for suspicious activity. If a problem is found, a GCM can also advocate for your senior to help them recover stolen funds.
How does caregiving affect family and friends who support loved ones in Wilmington?
Many older adults turn to friends and family members for help with their day-to-day needs and many are happy to help out. Unfortunately, caregiving can take a toll on other aspects of their lives – especially if they are caregiving from afar. LongTermCarePoll.org provides the following information on what informal caregivers might be forced to give up:
Many informal caregivers make sacrifices in order to provide care
Had to give up a hobby or activity they enjoy
Had less time to sleep
You had less time with your children
Engaging a Wilmington care manager can make it easier for informal caregivers to take a break because they know that the GCM can find other sources of care. A GCM is also a trustworthy source of information on the care your loved one is getting, making it much easier to keep tabs on them without contacting dozens of people.
How can I find a high-quality, compassionate geriatric care manager in Wilmington?
Choosing a geriatric care manager in Wilmington revolves around your older adult’s particular needs. For example, verify that every candidate on your shortlist has experience managing care for other seniors with any chronic medical conditions your loved one might have. The rapport between a GCM and the senior they’re caring for is also essential, so involve your senior in an interview process to make sure they can work together. Since a GCM will have access to your senior’s sensitive information, we recommend performing a comprehensive background check to ensure they can be trusted with it.
Cost can be tricky since most health insurance policies do not cover the services of a GCM. Most geriatric care managers charge an initial assessment fee and an hourly rate, so make sure you know how the bill will be paid before you get started. Our comprehensive guide to choosing a geriatric care manager provides more information and we encourage you to consult it frequently.
Wilmington’s best geriatric care managers
You’ll be thankful for your senior’s GCM if an emergency arises, but a GCM is also a valuable investment if your older adult has multiple doctors, numerous home care aides, or needs an impartial third party to mediate a dispute. Seasons provides extensive free Wilmington geriatric care manager resources to help you find a certified GCM.
