Profile of Transitions Geriatric Care Management - Essay Example

Profile of an Organization in the Aging Services Network Background Transitions Geriatric Care Management is located in Albany New York and it is their goal to assist in meeting the needs of elderly adults as they face personal, emotional and physical challenges. As an organization it is their mission along with their main objective to coordinate and manage care for the individuals and families that they provide services for (National…). Their focus and commitment is entirely on being a positive and influential part of those that they serve. Furthermore, their focus and goal is providing access to all of the needs, rather social, healthcare or community needs, which allow elderly adults to remain independent in safe environments, promoting the individuals self-respect, dignity and grace. Transitions Geriatric Care Management provides late life relocation services (National…) which includes a complete assessment of the individual’s needs. They will also help with organizing and downsizing if the individual is moving to a much smaller location or going to be staying in an assisted living facility where personal space is usually very limited. Professional movers and packers will ensure that the individual’s move is the least stressful as possible, covering even the smallest of details which can sometimes cause stress in a move, especially in the elderly population. The planning and execution of the move may include organizing an auction or estate sale in order to downsize and dispose of possessions that the individual no longer wants or needs. Transitions also provide on-site assessments which evaluate abilities needed for activities of daily living. Home care planning is provided and the implementation of safety procedures and any home modifications that are necessary to ensure the individual is able to safely ambulate and continue with their normal daily functioning are implemented. Case management includes financial planning and guidance, supervision of any outside services that may be needed such as housekeeping and transportation and the coordination of any type of appointments the individual may have (Groupie). The individual may also require a personal emergency response system which will be something that can be arranged for by Transitions. If the court rules that the individual needs guardianship Transitions is able to handle this and will make sure that only the best decisions which promote the health and well-being of the individual are made. Counseling and the inclusion of family members is another very important service offered through Transitions which can have a huge impact on the family unit and their ability to adjust. Transition’s clients are primarily elderly individuals though the organization also works with and provides services to families who need them. Their focus is geared toward the geriatric population, which is the only special characteristic that covers their intended target group, though it is obviously not all inclusive and has some flexibility since family care is also provided. Delivery and Methods Outreach is provided some through the organizations that Transitions is affiliated with such as the National Care Planning Council, the National Guardian Association and the National Association of Social Workers. Referrals are made through these organization to Transitions and transitions also works with nursing homes and assisted living facilities in order to identify potential clients who may be in need of services. The website for the organization is http://www.transitionsgcms.com/index.html and the site is very easy to navigate without complicated and confusing graphics which could possibly overwhelm an inexperienced internet or computer user. The contact information includes a phone number and email address though a physical address is not provided, likely because most services are offered on-site with the client. Because of the type of clients and the demographic being primarily elderly and geriatric clients it is much more convenient for the client if the service offers in home visits and care. Transitions support social involvement by linking clients and family members with community support systems. This ensures the client does not feel isolated or become withdrawn. It is important for the client to remain social and to interact with others. In order to maintain the health and wellness of clients a multi-disciplinary approach is used. Coordinating with other health care teams and service providers will allow the client to receive the best possible combination of care to promote the optimal health and well-being of the client. Recommendations In order to improve the delivery of services I would suggest an office location where families who were interested in the services provided by Transitions could meet with the social and case workers to discuss options for their loved one without the imposition of a home visit. Home and on-site visits are great for elderly clients who may not be able to visit an office but for families interested in Transitions this would be a better option as they may want to speak to the case worker in a professional setting before obtaining their services. There are no new services that were identified on the website that are being offered by Transitions. The website has been operational since 2010 and though it is has been maintained since that time that date is the last date, according to the site, that the site was updated so it is likely all services listed are the same. If any new services are available they are not shown on the website. Services are provided on site and no mentions of changes in this area are made on the website. I think it would be beneficial to update the webpage so that it would seem as though the service is ongoing because with such a lengthy amount of time since the last update it is difficult to determine if Transitions is still operational. It is also likely that other services have been developed and previous services that were provided have been enhanced. References National Care Planning Council. (2012, March). Deidre Bonarrigo - Transitions Geriatric Care Management Services. National Care Planning Council. Retrieved March 6, 2012, from http://www.longtermcarelink.net/listingprofiles/1672-Deidre-Bonarrigo-NY.htm Groupie Head Concepts. (2010). Geriatric Care Management Services, Albany NY. Geriatric Care Management Services, Albany NY. Retrieved March 6, 2012, from http://www.transitionsgcms.com/elder_care_management_services_albany_ny.html Read More