Case Managers are needed for the Elderly

--Preferably with an advanced degree in social work.

As the population ages worldwide, I believe so does the need for social workers to represent the elderly among us  I have become aware of what case managers can do for the elderly, because I have benefited from their concern for over one and a half years, now.

To my mind the greatest service they perform is being an advocate for the elderly person they represent.  It is true that an elderly person may have more than one case manager, each one deducated to the client, representing the individual older person in some way according to the case manager's realm of expertise.  But a case manager no matter how he functions in meeting some need of the person he represents is the elderly's representative.  Similar to a lawyer's function in the judicial field.

The other day I couldn't get through to my dentist, because of the way he has set up to be contacted.  I needed the services of my case manager (appointed for that specific instance) to cut through the red tape and make the appointment for me, while I sat next to him, providing him with information when I would be available.  You wouldn't think that a case manager would be needed just to make an appointment to see a dentist, but such an occasion had arisen in my case after I tried on my own to make the appointment for several days.   It happens; and I'm glad I had a case manager available who could get through the red tape.  An elderly person on his own simply doesn't have the perseverance to follow through on something protracted, I believe.  She did a fantastic job in getting me furniture once we decided on a senior residence for me.

I am just in the midst of changing my case manager.  The one I've had for the past year plus has taken on additional responsibilities making herself available to me only for consultation.

But it was through her services  that I was able to make a smooth transition from living in El Paso, Texas to coming back to living in DC.  I am most indebted to her--Esther Ford of Miriam's Kitchen in DC.