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.


Why Are Seniors Always So Cold?

By Donna Nichols • March 9, 2026
If you’ve ever walked into a room full of older adults and noticed the sweaters, shawls, and space heaters humming in the corner, you’re not imagining it — many seniors really do feel colder than everyone else. And it’s not just a quirk. There are real, physical reasons behind it, and understanding them can make daily life a lot more comfortable. 1. Our Internal Thermostat Changes Over Time As we age, the body becomes less efficient at regulating temperature. The internal “thermostat” in the brain doesn’t respond as quickly to cold, so seniors may feel chilly even when the room is warm enough for others. 2. Less Muscle = Less Heat Muscle mass naturally decreases with age, and muscle is what helps generate body heat. With less of it, the body simply produces less warmth. Even active seniors may notice they get cold more easily than they used to. 3. Thinner Skin and Reduced Circulation Skin becomes thinner over time, offering less insulation. On top of that, circulation often slows, meaning warm blood takes longer to reach hands, feet, and other extremities. This is why fingers and toes are often the first to feel icy. 4. Medications Can Play a Role Many common medications — including those for blood pressure, thyroid issues, or depression — can affect how warm or cold someone feels. It’s not always the medication itself, but how it interacts with the body’s temperature signals. 5. Underlying Health Conditions Conditions like anemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or poor circulation can all contribute to feeling cold. Sometimes, persistent chilliness is the body’s way of asking for a check-in with a healthcare provider. 6. Hydration and Nutrition Matter More Than You Think Dehydration and low-calorie intake can both make the body feel colder. Seniors who don’t drink enough water or who eat lightly may notice they’re chilly more often. Simple Ways to Stay Warm and Comfortable • Layer up with breathable fabrics • Keep moving — even gentle stretching boosts circulation • Warm beverages throughout the day • Use blankets or heated throws safely • Check room drafts and adjust thermostat settings • Talk with a doctor if coldness is new or worsening A Warm Note to Close Feeling cold isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a natural part of aging. With a few small adjustments and a little awareness, seniors can stay cozy, comfortable, and confident all year long.

How the Spring Season Helps Us Heal

By Donna Nichols • March 3, 2026
Spring has a way of softening the world. The air warms, the light lingers, and suddenly the small things — a bird call, a new bloom, a gentle breeze — feel like invitations to breathe a little deeper. For many seniors, especially those carrying grief, stress, or the weight of a long winter, March can feel like a quiet turning point. Here’s why spring so often brings emotional renewal, no matter your age. 1. Light Returns, and So Does Energy Longer days naturally lift mood. More sunlight helps regulate sleep, boosts energy, and gently nudges the body out of winter’s heaviness. Even a few minutes outside can shift the way the day feels. 2. Nature Models Healing Spring is a season of second chances. Trees bud again, flowers push through the soil, and the world rebuilds itself without rushing. For seniors navigating loss or change, this slow, steady renewal can feel reassuring — a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it is possible. 3. Movement Feels More Natural Warmer weather encourages small steps: a walk to the mailbox, a few minutes on the porch, tending to a plant. These simple movements help ease stiffness, improve mood, and reconnect the body with the world around it. 4. Social Life Blossoms Too As the weather improves, people naturally come out of hibernation. Neighbors chat outside, community events pick up, and families gather more often. Even brief interactions can brighten a day and reduce feelings of isolation. 5. Spring Encourages Reflection — and Release There’s something about fresh air and open windows that invites a mental reset. Many seniors find themselves sorting through memories, letting go of what no longer serves them, and making space for what’s next. A Season That Meets You Where You Are Spring doesn’t demand big changes. It simply offers gentle reminders: you’re still growing, still healing, still here. Whether you’re grieving, rebuilding, or simply ready for a lighter season, March brings a quiet kind of hope — one that arrives softly and stays.

Winter Wellness: Staying Safe and Steady in February

By Donna Nichols • February 5, 2026
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