A Geriatric Care Manager Helps Seniors and Families Navigate the System

Get help with caregiving and support for seniors

Many family caregivers are overwhelmed with complex senior care issues and endless day-to-day tasks. 

Others are living far away and struggling to manage their older adult’s care from a distance.

In these situations, a geriatric care manager (GCM) could be a helpful addition to your caregiving team. Their expertise in senior care can provide much-needed solutions that you might not have known about.

A GCM (also called an aging life care expert) understands how to find and navigate local services for seniors. Their job is to make sure your older adult is well cared for and reduce family stress.

And if you don’t live nearby, hiring a GCM in your older adult’s area gives added peace of mind that a knowledgeable professional is there to look out for their best interests.

We explain the types of services a geriatric care manager can provide for families, how much their time costs, what their qualifications are, and how to find one in your local area.

What services do geriatric care managers provide for seniors and families?

• Safety and security – monitor seniors living independently, recommend technology to improve security or safety, watch for changes and potential risks of abuse or fraud
• Home care services – determine which services your older adult needs, help families hire and monitor those services
• Medical management – go to doctor appointments and be a health advocate, facilitate communication between doctor, patient, and family, and make sure seniors follow their doctor’s instructions
• Communication – keep family members and health professionals up to date on your older adult’s well-being, alert everyone to changing needs
• Housing – help evaluate housing options and advise on the best fit
• Legal – refer to or consult with an elder law attorney, provide expert opinion for courts in determining level of care
• Financial – review or supervise bill paying, consulting with an accountant or the person who has Power of Attorney
• Entitlements – provide information on Federal and state entitlements, connect families to local benefits programs
• Social activities – find social, recreational, or cultural activities to prevent isolation and improve quality of life

 

How much does a geriatric care manager cost?

Most GCMs charge on a fee-for-service basis, but they all bill differently.

Be sure to discuss all fees before making a commitment or signing any contracts.

Some insurance plans may be starting to cover this service – check your older adult’s coverage to find out.

What are a geriatric care manager’s qualifications?

A professional GCM should be educated and experienced in fields related to care management like social work, nursing, gerontology, or psychology. 

They should have a specialized focus on aging and senior care and be trained to assess, plan, coordinate, monitor, and provide services for older adults and their families. 

Many GCMs will have certifications like the Certified Senior Advisor and membership in the Aging Life Care Association.

A geriatric care manager should also be familiar with the costs, quality, and availability of resources in their communities and be experts in navigating the system and finding solutions to complex issues.

 

How to find a local geriatric care manager

1. Visit the Aging Life Care Expert search page
2. Enter your location (zip code, city, or state)
3. Choose some GCMs in your area to interview

The geriatric care manager industry isn’t regulated, so it’s important to do your own research and interviewing before choosing a GCM to work with.

Ask for references and verify them all. And, use this list of questions during your interview to help you evaluate a potential GCM.

 

Next Step  Find a geriatric care manager in your older adult’s area

 

Recommended for you:

• 12 Top Books for Caregiver Advice and Support
• Adult Day Programs Help Seniors Live at Home Longer
• 3 Tips to Choose Between Assisted Living vs In-Home Care

 

By DailyCaring Editorial Team
Image: Paragon Home Healthcare

 

This article wasn’t sponsored and doesn’t contain affiliate links. For more information, see How We Make Money.

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