How to Be Geriatrics Hospice Care Coordinator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 19, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increasing demand for geriatric hospice care is creating a need for more hospice care coordinators. These professionals are responsible for helping elderly patients and their families manage the care of a terminal illness. They work closely with physicians, social workers, and other health care providers to ensure that the patient is receiving the best possible care.

Hospice care coordinators also help families understand the options available to them, coordinate care between multiple providers, and provide emotional support for both the patient and their loved ones. This type of care provides comfort and support to those in their final days, and as such, is an invaluable service for those in need.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a geriatrics hospice care coordinator is to obtain a bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field such as nursing, social work, or psychology.
Earn Certification. To be eligible for certification as a geriatrics hospice care coordinator, candidates must have at least two years of experience in a health care setting and must pass a written examination.
Receive On-the-Job Training. On-the-job training is required to become a geriatrics hospice care coordinator. Training includes learning about the specific needs of hospice patients and their families, developing and managing a plan of care for each patient, and understanding the roles and responsibilities of other healthcare professionals.
Obtain Certification in Geriatrics. Obtaining certification in geriatrics is not required, but it may be beneficial for certain positions. Certification in geriatrics requires passing an examination that covers topics such as assessment of geriatric patients, interventions, and management of chronic conditions.
Become Experienced in the Field. In order to become a successful geriatrics hospice care coordinator, it is important to gain experience in the field. This can include working in a hospice setting and becoming familiar with the various regulations and guidelines related to hospice care. Additionally, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field and attend continuing education courses.

As a Geriatrics Hospice Care Coordinator, it is important to stay ahead and capable in order to provide the best care possible for clients. To do this, it is essential to stay abreast of the latest developments in health care, as well as advancements in technology and medications. making sure to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in hospice care, such as new procedures and policies, will help ensure that clients receive the best possible care.

Furthermore, it is important to be aware of any changes in laws or regulations that could affect hospice care, and to adjust operations accordingly. Finally, it is vital to remain organized and efficient, so that clients can access the necessary care quickly and efficiently. By taking these measures, Geriatrics Hospice Care Coordinators can stay ahead of the curve and remain capable of providing the highest quality care.

You may want to check Geriatric Rehabilitation Aide, Geriatrics Nursing Home Activity Coordinator, and Geriatrics Dietary Aide for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and implement individualized patient care plans for geriatric hospice patients.
Manage patient medication and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
Monitor patient conditions and coordinate with healthcare professionals to ensure quality care for the patient.
Evaluate patient needs and provide necessary education and support to family members and other caregivers.
Communicate with medical staff to ensure patient comfort levels are maintained.
Coordinate home care services, such as visits from nurses, aides, and therapists.
Maintain accurate medical records and documentation of patient progress.
Participate in the development of hospice policies and procedures.
Assist with the coordination of end-of-life care services when needed.
Provide emotional support to patients and families during difficult times.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of geriatric care, including end-of-life issues
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals
Understanding of the legal, ethical, and regulatory aspects of hospice care
Ability to coordinate and monitor the care of patients and families
Ability to evaluate and document patient progress and outcomes
Ability to maintain accurate and detailed medical records
Knowledge of medications, treatments and therapies for geriatric patients
Ability to refer patients and families to appropriate community services and resources
Knowledge of palliative care principles
Ability to provide emotional and spiritual support to patients and families
Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and standards related to hospice care
Ability to assess and triage patient needs
Ability to develop and implement individualized plans of care
Knowledge of end-of-life symptom management
Knowledge of hospice billing, coding, and insurance requirements

Being a successful Geriatrics Hospice Care Coordinator requires a wide range of skills and knowledge. One of the most important skills is being able to effectively communicate with patients, families and other healthcare professionals. This includes understanding the roles of all involved parties and being able to effectively convey information in a clear and concise manner.

it is important to have strong organizational and problem-solving skills to ensure that all aspects of care are appropriately managed. Knowledge of end-of-life care and the legal and ethical implications of providing hospice services is also key to providing quality care. Lastly, it is important to have compassion and empathy to ensure that patients and their families are supported throughout the end-of-life process.

With these skills, a Geriatrics Hospice Care Coordinator will be able to provide the best care possible for their patient.

Geriatric Activities Director, Geriatric Home Care Worker, and Geriatric Pharmacist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in geriatrics hospice care coordination?
What communication methods do you use to ensure family members are kept up to date on the care and services provided to their loved one?
How do you prioritize the needs of patients and families in hospice care?
What strategies do you use to coordinate end-of-life care with the patients family, healthcare providers, and other support services?
How do you assess the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients in hospice care?
How do you ensure that hospice care is delivered within the guidelines of federal and state laws?
What techniques do you use to assess the quality of care being provided by the hospice team?
What other services do you coordinate for hospice patients and their families?
How do you handle sensitive issues related to end-of-life care?
How do you stay current on changes in hospice regulations and guidelines?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Medical Record (EMR) System. This tool is used to store and manage patient data, including medical histories, lab results, and medication prescriptions. (e. g. Epic, Cerner, Athenahealth)
Patient Scheduling Software. This tool is used to organize and manage patient appointments, including scheduling, cancellations, and reminders. (e. g. Appointy, Appointfix)
Communication Platforms. These tools are used to facilitate communication between patients, family members, and health care providers. (e. g. Skype for Business, Slack, Zoom)
Telehealth Platforms. These tools are used to provide virtual visits with patients to assess their condition and provide care remotely. (e. g. Doxy. me, MDLive, Amwell)
Clinical Documentation Software. This tool is used to document patient information such as diagnoses and treatments. (e. g. MediLinks, ChartLogic, AllScripts)
Task Management Software. This tool is used to manage tasks and assign them to team members. (e. g. Trello, Asana, Airtable)
Care Management Software. This tool is used to coordinate care between multiple providers and track patient progress over time. (e. g. CarePortal, CareSync, CareZone)
Analytics Software. This tool is used to analyze patient data and identify trends to improve care and outcomes. (e. g. IBM Watson Health, Salesforce Health Cloud, Microsoft HealthVault)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Geriatrics Society
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
National Association for Home Care and Hospice
American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
National Council on Aging
The Gerontological Society of America
Association for Gerontology in Higher Education
Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy
International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care
American Medical Directors Association

We also have Geriatrics Research Scientist, Geriatrics Clinical Data Manager, and Geriatrics Medical Office Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Geriatric Care Management. Geriatric care management is a professional specialty focused on providing services and support to seniors and their families. It includes assessment of needs, care planning, and coordination of services such as home health care providers, home-delivered meals, transportation services, and more.
Palliative Care. Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. It focuses on providing relief from symptoms and stress to improve quality of life for both the patient and their family.
Hospice Care. Hospice care is a type of palliative care that focuses on comfort and quality of life for those facing a life-limiting illness. It involves coordinated services from a team of professionals, including nurses, physicians, social workers, spiritual counselors, and volunteers.
Advance Care Planning. Advance care planning is the process of making decisions about health care in the event of an individuals incapacity due to illness or injury. It includes completing a living will and appointing a health care proxy or power of attorney.
End-of-Life Care. End-of-life care focuses on providing comfort and dignity for an individual who is nearing the end of life. It may include medical treatments, symptom management, emotional support, spiritual care, and other services to ensure a peaceful death.
Long-Term Care Planning. Long-term care planning is the process of preparing for future health care needs, including selecting an appropriate living environment and setting up financial arrangements for long-term care services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Geriatrics Hospice Care Coordinator?

A Geriatrics Hospice Care Coordinator is a healthcare professional who specializes in providing care and support to elderly patients facing end-of-life issues. The coordinator helps coordinate care for the patient and their family, ensuring that all parties are aware of the patient's needs and progress.

What qualifications do Geriatrics Hospice Care Coordinators have?

Geriatrics Hospice Care Coordinators typically must have a degree in a health-related field, such as nursing or social work, as well as experience in hospice and geriatric care. In addition, many states require them to be certified by the state.

What duties do Geriatrics Hospice Care Coordinators perform?

Geriatrics Hospice Care Coordinators typically provide emotional support to both patients and their families, help develop care plans tailored to individual needs, coordinate medical and non-medical services, and provide advocacy to ensure patient rights are protected.

What skills are necessary for Geriatrics Hospice Care Coordinators?

Geriatrics Hospice Care Coordinators must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, have knowledge of end-of-life issues, be able to manage difficult emotions and situations, and have an understanding of health insurance and legal matters related to eldercare.

What is the job outlook for Geriatrics Hospice Care Coordinators?

The job outlook for Geriatrics Hospice Care Coordinators is positive, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting an 11% growth in the field from 2018-2028.

Web Resources

Geriatrics-Hospice and Palliative Care Fellowship < Geriatrics medicine.yale.edu
Geriatrics & Palliative Medicine - University of Chicago medicine.uchicago.edu
Home - Geriatrics lsom.uthscsa.edu