Q: I have met many people in the senior care industry that claim to have a certificate in this (enter anything here) or have a certification in that (enter anything here). What is the difference between a certificate and a certification, and how can that help me to determine a person’s level of experience in the field of senior care? Marjorie from Lawrenceville, GA

/0 Comments/in /by

A:  I would say the majority of the families that I have worked with are “new” to the world of senior options and are typically feeling very apprehensive about their […]

Read more →

Q: Do you have to be a certain age to use the services of a Geriatric Care Manager? Gail W. from Marietta, GA

/0 Comments/in /by

A: The short answer is no.  Tragic changes in healthcare status might generate a need for a GCM, such as an accident with a head or spinal injury, or possibly […]

Read more →

Q: Why would we need a GCM assessment? Couldn’t we just talk to our internist? Janet B. Dunwoody, GA

/0 Comments/in /by

There are some important reasons a Geriatric Care Management (GCM) assessment is more valuable than talking with your doctor or internist.  We all know doctors can be overworked, get behind […]

Read more →

Q: How can I help my 80 year old Mom stop hoarding? It’s beginning to be a safety issue! Jan G., Acworth, GA

/2 Comments/in /by

Compulsive hoarding, is the excessive collection of items, along with the inability to discard them. Hoarding will soon be diagnosed as an anxiety disorder in the upcoming DSM-V. Though hoarding […]

Read more →

3/22/2013 Q: I have feelings of guilt every day that I should be a better caregiver. I keep asking “why?” questions from “why did this happen” to “why can’t I be more patient”. I go round and round with no answers. Is this normal? Louise H., Woodstock, GA

/0 Comments/in , /by

A: Many caregivers experience “caregiver guilt” so in a way it is normal in that it is not unusual at all. Your feelings are appropriate for you and there are […]

Read more →

3/11/2013 Q: I am exhausted and overwhelmed from being a fulltime caregiver for my father and resent not having any time for myself. Is there anything I can do to make things better? Carolyn P., Lawrenceville, GA

/0 Comments/in /by

A: It is very important to put plans in place to ease your stress, anxiety, and even anger at all the responsibilities of being the primary caregiver.  You recognize you […]

Read more →

2/24/2013 Q: I think my elderly parents need help but my brothers, sisters and I can’t agree on how we should care for them. Can a Geriatric Care Manager help? Chuck S., Roswell, GA

/0 Comments/in /by

A: Absolutely!  You have taken an essential first step in realizing your parents possibly need assistance.  Experience has shown that using a “wait and see” approach usually leads to a […]

Read more →

Do I have to use a Caregiver Agency? Couldn’t I just save a few bucks?

/1 Comment/in /by

1/31/13 Q: Why would I need to use an agency to find a caregiver for my parents? Couldn’t I just save the extra cost by hiring privately? John S., Atlanta, […]

Read more →

What Kind of Dementia is it?

/0 Comments/in /by

7/15/12 Q: The doctor gave my dad a diagnosis of dementia. How can I tell if it is Alzheimer’s or not? Denise S.; Decatur, GA   A: Well, allow me […]

Read more →