We now have certified mediators specializing in Eldercare Mediation.
PROFESSIONAL GERIATRIC CARE MANAGERS AND DEMENTIA CARE SPECIALISTS
The standards of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM) qualifies a Professional Geriatric Care Manager as such:
Professional Geriatric Care Managers (PGCMs) are health and human services specialists who help families care for older relatives, while encouraging as much independence for the elderly as possible. The PGCM may be trained in any of a number of fields related to long-term care, including, but not limited to, nursing, gerontology, social work, or psychology, with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care. The PGCM acts as a guide and advocate -- identifying problems and offering solutions, assistance and support.
ATLAS CARE MANAGEMENT
Atlas Care Management provides all aspects of care management services for the elderly, their families and any related caregivers. It is owned and operated by Doris Haas, a Registered Nurse and Care Manager Certified. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, as well as the Florida Geriatric Care Managers Association.
Atlas Care Management provides personalized assistance to family caregivers living nearby, or at a distance from their loved ones. We can assist with any number of specific tasks or oversee the entire range of care for family members. We provide assessment and care for elders living in Broward County and southern Palm Beach County in Florida, including the towns of Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, Hollywood, Coral Springs and their surrounding areas.
You can learn more about us by viewing our "About Us" page, and explore "Our Services" to see the many ways that our Geriatric Care Managers can help you and your family. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any specific questions that you may have.
Our licensed, professional staff include those specifically trained as Dementia Care Specialists, for those families dealing with the difficult diagnosis of dementia.
THE REALITY OF AGING
It is difficult to watch as our parents age. The mother and father or aunt and uncle (or even grandparents) who always cared for us throughout our lives, now are the ones that need to be cared for. With the disappearance of extended families, our society now consists of relatives that often live apart and senior citizens who may be afraid that their disabilities could require that they will no longer be able to live in their own homes or near their friends and social acquaintances. When our elders need help, we find ourselves struggling to look out for them, while our time is spent divided between our careers and our own children. Sometimes we cannot be everywhere at the same time.
And so, many elderly people live alone now, with no family nearby. They depend on neighbors to help them out, and rely on familiar routines to give them comfort, a sense of safety and get them through the day. Frequently they are isolated, having a hard time managing their daily tasks — laundry, grocery shopping, visiting doctors offices, and remembering to take their medications. They are too proud to admit their weaknesses, as they fear the loss of independence that is occurring.
There are ways that Care Managers can help. Geriatrics is our specialty. We are familiar with the many challenges that elders face and can help your loved ones to find solutions to maintain their independence and the highest quality of life. We know what "aging successfully" is and what aspects of life contribute to the happiness and satisfaction that can be achieved, even within the limitations imposed on older adults because of their physical and mental conditions.
Most of older adults want to live in their homes (a recent end-of-life study established that 86% of Americans believe that most people with terminal illness would like to receive end-of-life care in their own home). Yet nearly 70% of deaths in the United States today occur in facilities — primarily in hospitals and long-term care facilities. In facilities they become one of many, and lose the ability to decide when they eat and when they sleep, small decisions that effect their dignity and independence. Geriatric Care Managers can find ways to keep elders living in their own homes, assisting them along the way to manage their daily lives. We see that all of their needs are met: psychological, medical, physical, housing, financial, legal, social, and religious. Our plan of care is holistic, looking at the entire person as a whole.
With Atlas Care Management, families can rest assured that their loved one has someone to look after them, someone nearby to be there in case of emergency. Geriatric Care Managers become more than a professional making an assessment. We become a shoulder to lean on, a counselor, and a friend.
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL GERIATRIC CARE MANAGERS
The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers is a volunteer nonprofit association with over 2000 members. It was formed in 1985, the first organization "to represent the pioneers in a growing and developing field." As the practice of case management changed, the profession and the association changed as well. Communication online between members, and state and national conferences provide tools for care managers to "improve their businesses and stay abreast of the latest trends in their profession." In August 2006, the voters approved a new requirement that all members hold one of four approved certifications. The approved certifications include Care Manager Certified (CMC), Certified Case Manager (CCM), Certified Advanced Social Worker in Case Management (C-ASWCM), and Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM). Effective January 1, 2008, all new members for Care Manager membership must be certified. As a result, the profession and its practitioners are elevated and consumers can have confidence in the services that the members provide.
The association's Mission Statement is "To advance professional geriatric care management through education, collaboration, and leadership." Members must adhere to the Pledge of Ethics and the Standards of Practice as set forth by the association.
THE ALZHEIMER'S FOUNDATION OF AMERICA
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America's mission is "to provide optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families—through member organizations dedicated to improving quality of life."AFA members organizations include: Grassroots nonprofit organizations, Adult day programs, Long-term care communities, Healthcare facilities, Government agencies, and Public safety departments.
THE NATIONAL CARE PLANNING COUNCIL
The National Care Planning Council and its affiliated members are dedicated to helping the American public recognize the need for long term care planning and to helping implement that planning. The National Care Planning Council and their web site www.longtermcarelink.net, are a comprehensive resource for Eldercare, Senior Care, and Long Term Care Planning.