Geriatric Healthcare

Donna Nichols • January 4, 2024
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What is Geriatric healthcare and how do you know if you need one?


Navigating the healthcare system has become difficult for everyone – it is especially difficult for our seniors and their families. As people age, they tend to have more and more healthcare issues. As a result, most elderly people see numerous doctors, have a calendar full of medical appointments and take numerous prescriptions. It is another difficult task of a caregiver, but whether it is you or if you hire someone, it is critical that your beloved elder has a healthcare advocate. You should keep an ongoing record of their medical history, symptoms, treatments, and instructions.


Just as some families hire legal or financial advisors, they can now hire (geriatric) healthcare advisors.


David Bellotti, Geriatric Care Manager and Professional Guardian of American Geriatric Care Group, provides the following description of what services they provide:


A Geriatric Care Manager is a health and human services specialist who acts as a guide and advocate for families who are caring for older relatives or disabled adults. The Geriatric Care Manager is educated and experienced in any of several fields related to Geriatric Care Management including, but not limited to nursing, gerontology, social work, or psychology, with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care.


The Geriatric Care Manager assists clients in attaining their maximum functional potential. The individual’s independence is encouraged, while safety and security concerns are also addressed. Geriatric Care Managers are able to address a broad range of issues related to the well-being of their clients. They also have extensive knowledge about the costs, quality, and availability of resources in their communities.


Geriatric Care Managers become the "coach" and families or clients the "team captain." The best Geriatric Care Management Professionals are members of the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA) and differ from Patient Advocates, Senior Advisors, Senior Navigators, and Elder Advocates. ALCA members must meet stringent education, experience, and certification requirements of the organization, and all members are required to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.


How do you know that you need a Geriatric Care Manager? If you fall into any of the categories below, it may be time to find a Geriatric Care Manager.


When caregiving for an aging family member becomes overwhelming, it may be time to contact a Geriatric Care Manager.


You may need a Geriatric Care Manager if:


The person you are caring for has limited or no family support.


Your family has just become involved with helping the individual and needs direction about available services.


The person you are caring for has multiple medical or psychological issues.


The person you are caring for is unable to live safely in his/her current environment.


Your family has limited time and/or expertise in dealing with your loved ones’ chronic care needs.


Your family is at odds regarding care decisions.


The person you are caring for is not pleased with current care providers and requires advocacy.


The person you are caring for is confused about his/her own financial and/or legal situation.     

 

Your family needs education and/or direction in dealing with behaviors associated with dementia.


Geriatric Care Management services are offered in a variety of settings—are personalized compassionate and can serve the needs of their clients by providing:


Accessibility – care is typically available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


Continuity of care – communications are coordinated between family members, doctors and other professionals, and service providers.


Cost containment – inappropriate placements, duplication of services, and unnecessary hospitalizations are avoided.


Quality control – Geriatric Care Management services follow ALCA’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.


If you think you need a Geriatric Health Care Manager, please give us a call at 386-847-2322, we are here to help you navigate the stages of aging.


The Heart of Guidance: The Role of a Senior Advisor in Elder Care

By Donna Nichols • September 5, 2025
In a world that often moves too fast, senior advisors offer something rare and essential: time, understanding, and a steady hand. Unlike their counterparts in the business world, senior advisors in elder care aren’t focused on profit margins—they’re focused on people. Who They Are Senior advisors in this space are often seasoned professionals, caregivers, or community advocates who help older adults and their families navigate complex decisions. They may work in senior living communities, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, or independently. What They Do • Guide families through transitions: Whether it's choosing assisted living or downsizing a home, senior advisors help make sense of it all. • Advocate for dignity and autonomy: They ensure that older adults’ voices are heard and respected in every decision. • Connect to resources: From transportation and wellness programs to Alzheimer’s and grief support, they know where to turn. • Offer emotional support: Sometimes, the most valuable thing they offer is a listening ear and a calming presence. Why It Matters A senior advisor isn’t just a resource—they’re a lifeline. They help families breathe easier, empower older adults to make informed choices, and bring compassion into moments that can feel overwhelming. If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” you’re not alone. Many of us play this role informally, answering questions, calming nerves, and connecting dots. Whether you’re a professional advisor or a trusted neighbor, your presence makes a difference.  If you or someone you love is facing a big decision and could use a calm, caring guide—we’re here. No pressure, no jargon, just real people ready to help. Call us today on 386-847-2322 to start the conversation. Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing you’re not alone.

Grandparents Day: A Celebration of Heart, Humor & Heritage

By Donna Nichols • September 4, 2025
September brings a quiet kind of magic—the golden light, the hint of fall in the air, and a moment to honor the everyday heroes who’ve shaped our lives with love, laughter, and legendary stories: our grandparents. Whether you’re a grandparent yourself, a grateful grandchild, or someone who’s been “adopted” by a wise elder in your life, Grandparents Day is a chance to pause and celebrate the beautiful bridge between generations. What Makes Grandparents So Grand? • They’re walking history books—with tales of jukeboxes, moon landings, and the original recipe for Sunday gravy. • They’re master cheerleaders, showing up with hugs, cookies, and the kind of encouragement that sticks for life. • They’re wisdom whisperers, offering advice that somehow makes more sense with each passing year. And let’s be honest: they also have the uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. A Legacy of Love Grandparents teach us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting. It’s in the quiet gestures: the handwritten birthday card, the saved newspaper clipping, the way they remember your favorite snack or ask about that thing you mentioned weeks ago. They remind us that resilience is built over time—through hard work, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Their stories carry lessons we didn’t know we needed until we suddenly find ourselves living them. And for those who’ve lost a grandparent, this day can be bittersweet. But it’s also a chance to honor their memory—by sharing their stories, cooking their favorite dish, or simply whispering a thank-you into the September breeze. Celebrate with Us: A Little Fun for the Big Day This Grandparents Day, we invite you to: • Share a memory: What’s one moment with a grandparent that still makes you smile? • Send a shoutout: Post a photo or quote from your favorite grandparent on social media and tag us.

Honoring Our Elders: National Senior Citizens Day

By Donna Nichols • August 14, 2025
On August 21, we pause to celebrate the heartbeat of our communities—our senior citizens. This day isn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It’s about recognizing the wisdom, resilience, and warmth that older adults bring to every conversation, every gathering, and every generation. Wisdom That Lights the Way From stories of first jobs and family traditions to lessons learned through love and loss, seniors carry a lifetime of insight. Their experiences are more than memories—they’re guideposts for those still finding their way. Today, we honor those stories and the voices behind them. Connection That Matters Whether it’s a neighborly wave, a shared recipe, or a quiet moment on the porch, seniors remind us that connection doesn’t need fanfare—it just needs heart. National Senior Citizens Day is a chance to say, “We see you. We value you. We’re better because of you.” Ways to Celebrate Host a storytelling circle or memory-sharing event Share a favorite photo and the story behind it Create a “Senior Spotlight” wall with quotes and wisdom Invite younger generations to learn a skill from a senior (gardening, baking, crafting) Spend time—listen, laugh, and learn A Day of Gratitude Let’s make August 21 a day of genuine appreciation. Whether you’re a senior yourself or someone lucky enough to know and love one, take a moment to reflect on the richness they bring to our lives. Their legacy is living, breathing, and beautifully unfolding every day.  This is a day to be celebrated every day! Senior citizens bring so much fulfillment to our lives, and we need to embrace the moments we spend with them, for they are precious.