Elder Care Series: Who's in Charge-Managing Difficult Decisions Around A Parent's Care

This 2nd episode continues our Elder Care Series that will extend through 9/23/09. When a family member needs help everyone has an idea of what is “best.” Many times, adult children are called upon in a crisis to help their parents make some decisions about their care. The family and the senior have to decide the senior may need. The differing options of care (how much, what type, and how it will be funded) can cause conflict within the family. Geriatric Care Managers are often called upon to help negotiate these very difficult decisions. Byron Cordes received a Masters in Social Work from Worden School of Social Services at Our Lady of the Lake University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Oklahoma State University. He has worked for twenty years in the social work field; background includes medical social work/case management and clinical work with geriatrics. Byron is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Texas. He also holds an Advanced Certification in Social Work Case Management from the National Association of Social Workers. He has served as an Assistant Professor at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, and continues to teach, as adjunct faculty, policy and practice courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Byron has had his writings published on geriatrics and caregiving. He currently owns and operates a Professional Geriatric Care Management agency, SAGE Care Management, providing case management, outreach and support to seniors. He serves on the National Board of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers and is past-president for the South Central Chapter. He is a member of the American Society on Aging and the National Association of Social Workers. Byron has been married for twenty years, and has one daughter. He is active with several local community organizations including his church.