Navigating the complex world of senior care can feel like trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces; from coordinating medical appointments to finding quality in-home care, the responsibilities can quickly become overwhelming.
If you're feeling lost in a maze of options or stretched thin trying to manage your loved one's care from a distance, a geriatric care manager could be your guiding light. These specialized professionals act as expert guides, advocates, and problem-solvers, providing the clarity and support you need to create the best possible care plan while dramatically reducing your stress.
Geriatric Care Managers 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 offer solutions 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 ensure your older adult is well cared for and to 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 protection, watch for changes and potential risks of abuse or fraud
- Home care services – determine which services your older adult needs, and help families hire and monitor them.
- 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 the 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 Charge?
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 Types of Training Do Geriatric Care Managers Go Through?
A professional GCM should be educated and experienced in fields related to care management, like social work, nursing, gerontology, or psychology.Â
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 hold certifications such as the Certified Senior Advisor and are members of 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 an expert in navigating the system and finding solutions to complex issues.
How to Find a Local Geriatric Care Manager
- Visit the Aging Life Care Expert search page
- Enter your location (zip code, city, or state)
- Choose some GCMs in your area to interview
The geriatric care manager industry isn't regulated, so it’s essential 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.
Final Thoughts
Partnering with a geriatric care manager isn't just about delegating tasks—it's about gaining a trusted expert who can help you navigate difficult decisions with confidence and compassion.
Whether you need ongoing support or help during a crisis, their specialized knowledge can prevent costly mistakes and ensure your loved one receives the highest quality care. This investment in professional guidance doesn't just create a better care plan—it provides priceless peace of mind, knowing you have an experienced advocate by your side every step of the way.
Next Steps: Find a geriatric care manager in your older adult's area
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About the Author
Connie is the founder of DailyCaring.com and was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also understands the importance of support, especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.
My daughter doesn’t let me walk on my own as she says I am extremely frail an weak but I don’t want to lose this part of my life. She says it takes too long to get anywhere and especially to sit down or get up, I know she cares this is just so hard for me. I also need to hold onto something the whole time in order to keep my balance so she makes me use a walker I think I can do just fine with the walls. Please help us figure this out.
I DO NOT KNOW WHO TO CONTACT FOR HELP, PLEASE HELP ME FIND THE RIGHT OFFICE. AS I HAVE AN ELECTRICAL EMERGENCY IN OUR HOUSE AND I DO NOT HAVE THE FUNDS TO PAY FOR FOR THIS SERVICES. WE LIVE ON A FIXED INCOME, AND WE ARE 81 YRS OLD.
We’re so sorry, this is a tough situation to be in.
There are many organizations that offer help with home repairs for those who qualify for their programs.
We suggest 7 helpful organizations in this article — 7 Sources of Home Repair Assistance for Seniors https://dailycaring.com/7-sources-of-home-repair-assistance-for-seniors/. Hopefully you will find one in your area that can help.
Your local Area Agency on Aging may also be able to connect you to organizations that can help. More info here — Area Agency on Aging: Resources for Seniors https://dailycaring.com/area-agency-on-aging-resources-for-seniors/
You may also want to check to see if you’re eligible for other benefits programs that can help with expenses using the resource linked in this article — Find Financial Help for Seniors: 2,500+ Federal, State, and Private Benefits Programs https://dailycaring.com/find-financial-help-for-seniors-federal-state-and-private-benefits-programs/