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Geriatric Care: The Link Between You and the Community

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Category: Phoebe Ministries

Created on Monday, 18 June 2012 17:29

Help is Here Now

Many people who contact Phoebe At Home Services ask these questions: “What is a Care Manager?” or, “How can you help me or my loved one?” Often, by the time families contact our service they’ve been struggling for months or even years trying to remain independent or to keep their parents independent in their homes.  Don’t wait that long. Marian Worthington, program supervisor for Phoebe At Home Services says she hears all too often that if families had known of Phoebe’s in-home care coordination services, they would have contacted her earlier. “We serve loved ones of grown children who live out of town, and even people residing in Phoebe’s own independent living communities. We’re here to help any senior remain independent longer,” Worthington says.

What is a Geriatric Care Manager?

Phoebe At Home Services is staffed by Geriatric Care Managers (GCMs), trained and experienced individuals in the fields of gerontology, nursing, social work, or psychology, with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care. Phoebe’s GCMs coordinate in-home care and assist older adults in attaining their maximum functional potential in addition to acting as experienced guides and resources for families of older adults. Among other areas of specialty, Phoebe’s GCM program is particularly skilled in in-home dementia care.

Phoebe At Home Services provides personalized and compassionate service and continuity of care management. The program streamlines communications between family members, doctors and other professionals, and service providers. Phoebe’s GCM’s also save clients’ money by watching for inappropriate placements, duplication of services, and unnecessary hospitalizations. Lastly, Phoebe’s in-home care services follow the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

Why Phoebe At Home Services?

Often, when an elderly spouse or parent falls ill, the family struggles to facilitate the in-home care needed to keep the person independent and living comfortably. “Phoebe at Home Services is dedicated to exploring new ways to provide care to older persons living at home. We offer a variety of in-home services to promote safety, independence, wellness and success,” says Worthington.

Donna Stauffer, a resident of Phoebe Terrace, remains independent with the help of Phoebe’s Geriatric Care Management program. She is able to make her own schedule without having to worry about transportation. Stauffer also receives companionship on the trips which make them more enjoyable.

“I’ve had very favorable results and very good service,” says Stauffer. “The aides are helpful and this program helps me to keep my independence.”

The program’s success in Lehigh County has led to a recent expansion into the surrounding area. This summer, Phoebe At Home Services will begin servicing Berks, Northampton, and Upper Bucks counties.

What makes Phoebe’s Program Different?

• Our staff includes nationally certified, well-trained Geriatric Care Managers, Certified Dementia Care Providers and a Specialist
• We provide caregivers and professionals with up to date training and education
• Our program trains interns in preparing for Pennsylvania’s increasing aging population
• Our client’s needs, safety and dignity always come first
• We devise care plans designed to promote the highest level of function and independence for our clients 

Phoebe At Home Services provides in-home assessments and free phone consultations. To learn more, visit phoebe.org/athome.