What Does Caregiving And Care Plan Mean?
Do you stop by your mom’s place and drop off food or make her a few meals for the week? Do you balance your father’s checkbook because he’s been having trouble doing it himself? If you answered “yes”, then you are a caregiver. Many people don’t think of themselves as “caregivers” unless if they help their loved ones with activities of daily living (ADLs). However, these people are caregivers. Caregivers are referred to as family caregivers when they are related to the individual to whom they provide senior care. A primary caregiver often provides most or all of a person’s needed care. A long-distance caregiver, as the name suggests, looks after an individual from a distance, which usually precludes frequent visits.
Some long-distance caregivers rely on geriatric care managers (GCMs) to help with caregiving tasks. Gilbert Guide;s team of experts often addresses caregiver coping strategies and issues. Gilbert Guide also provides information on supportive services such as respite care.
A care plan is based on a needs assessment that a professional administers to the person who requires long term care. A care plan details the individual’s needs and lists ways to meet them. Care plans should be reassessed on an as-needed basis, or at least every few months. After meeting with a client, a geriatric care managers (GCM) will make a holistic care plan that addresses the person’s health, cognitive, financial and social needs. Home health care plans typically only consider the client’s medical needs and some personal preferences. Most care plans are based on an initial assessment. Gilbert Guide provides information on what to ask and what to expect during an initial assessment administered by home health care or homecare agency in our How to Find Homecare section.
CCRCs are living communities for seniors. Most have three levels of residence: independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing. Each level of residence is tied to the level of care that the resident requires. The primary concept behind a CCRC is that it offers a wider spectrum of care, so that once a senior moves into the community, he or she will be able to receive the appropriate care as his or her needs change. Many CCRCs support aging in place. Searc Gilbert Guide;s CCRC listings along with more information about what CCRCs offer.