Geriatric Care Managers in Carlsbad Have Valuable Insight Into Legal Matters

When you need legal help in a situation involving your aging family member, you probably think of a lawyer as your first resource. An attorney who is an expert in elder law is indispensable, but a geriatric care manager also fills an important role in some legal contexts. The expertise and educated assessments of geriatric care managers in Carlsbad often go a long way toward getting a senior the help that they deserve and need.

Activities of Daily Living

Medicare and insurance companies have a difficult job ahead of them: deciding whether an elderly person qualifies for coverage of in-home care. They usually make this decision based on whether or not the individual is capable of performing certain tasks, labeled “activities of adaily living”, on their own—things like bathing, eating, and using the restroom. Of course, this is difficult to prove, and while you probably know your family member better than anyone else, your opinion may not carry as much influence as that of a trained GCM. If a respected professional testifies that your loved one does, in fact, need help with daily living tasks, the approval process is likely to be shortened quite a bit.

Expert Opinions: Geriatric Care Managers in San Diego County

Hopefully, you will never have to be involved in a lawsuit over elder abuse, fraud, or any other wrong done to your loved one. But in the worst case scenario, a GCM can act as an expert witness to confirm your lawyer’s statements about your loved one. If a senior approved a financial transaction, for example, a GCM can give his or her expert opinion on whether the senior was mentally capable of making a responsible decision.

Looking Ahead

The more enjoyable legal role that a GCM plays is in giving informal but educated advice about making choices in the future. If you are considering hiring an in-home care service, geriatric care managers in San Diego County may be able to spot some warning signs that suggest danger. If you are preparing to make an insurance claim, looking for financial help for veterans, or are struggling with Medicare, a GCM is an invaluable source of help. Of course, if you are facing immediate legal trouble, you need a licensed lawyer, but a care manager may be able to help you avoid that situation in the first place!