Focus on the Gerontological Coordination Center of Monaco, a one-stop shop for the Principality’s elderly
The CCGM coordinates the action of the medico-social services involved in Monaco’s gerontological network.
The project was resolutely avant-garde. In 2006, the Gerontological Coordination Center of Monaco (CCGM) opened its doors to the public, thus anticipating a major change in our society: the unprecedented increase in life expectancy of the population. The 21st century considered as the century of aging, with 15 additional years of life gained in fifty years, it was necessary to quickly find a solution to meet the specific needs of this population. Focus on the CCGM and its missions, first article of our dossier dedicated to the life of seniors in the Principality.
” The mission of the CCGM is to facilitate access to medico-social informationwe explain its coordinator, Philippe Migliasso. This is a one-stop shop for anyone over the age of 60, residing in Monaco, or a family carer. The CCGM is a welcoming place, where the elderly person meets a whole medico-social team, made up of a geriatrician, two nurses, three social workers, a liaison nurse and a secretary. »
Propose a complete individualized assessment
The objective is therefore to develop the action of the medico-social services which can come to the aid of the elderly in the Principality, to facilitate their procedures, and to facilitate support at home based on an individualized assessment in order to target the maximum require : ” When an elderly person or a carer asks us, we carry out a guided interview. For example, if a person wants help with their lessons, this means that they are not able to do them themselves, so it is interesting to know why they cannot. Is it related to a physical problem? A cognitive problem? What is the difficulty? Have there been falls, malnutrition? Based on all these elements, the multidisciplinary team will give medical or social priority to the request. Then, the geriatrician will carry out a standardized gerontological assessment, during which the physical, psychological, social and environmental dimensions of the person will be presented. », explains Philippe Migliasso.
Once the balance sheet has been established, the person remains the decision maker of his aid plan and can benefit from a whole network of skills, financed by health insurance for the medical component and by the autonomy benefit, for support in the acts of daily life. ” The autonomy benefit was created in 2007 and is intended for any elderly person residing in the Principality over the age of 60. It participates in the financing of assistance in the face of loss of autonomy. It is scalable and proportional to its income “, explains Philippe Migliasso.
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Prevent loss of autonomy
Because dependency is precisely the main problem that the aging of the population can confront, and which represents nearly 95% of the requests of the CCGM, according to Philippe Migliasso: “ We screen for the person’s fragility, to avoid or delay the loss of autonomy. Longer life expectancy is of interest only if it is accompanied by healthy ageing. Aging is not a disease, but a physiological process that concerns each individual. »
” This screening contributes to keeping the elderly person at home, who benefits from a whole medico-social arsenal adapted to their disposal. », adds Virginie Van Klaveren, head of section at the Department of Health Action.
With more than 800 people followed each year, aged 85.9 on average, the CCGM therefore acts as a real beacon for seniors and their relatives. Present since the opening of the Center 16 years ago, Philippe Migliasso underlines the interest of this direct vision, on the ground, in the context of life, in order to ensure the best possible support. The residents monitored benefit from an annual assessment, unless the loss of autonomy has worsened in the meantime. So, the balance sheet is advanced.
Available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Centre’s team works in close collaboration with the Monegasque health and social authorities and the senior citizens and social action department of Monaco City Hall.
” The important thing is not to wait until the last moment to contact the Center “, discovered Virginie Van Klaveren, who reminds us that upstream assessments remain the best way to prevent a greater loss of autonomy and the appearance of possible pathologies that are more serious and complex to take care of.
More informations :
- Gerontological Coordination Center of Monaco:
- 18 Rue Princess Florestine, 98000 Monaco
- +377 98 98 42 03