What Is a Geriatric Care Manager?

In the past, extended families often shared the job of tending to their senior loved ones. These days, families may live farther apart, and the responsibility for care can fall on one overwhelmed family member. The good news is that geriatric care managers can help.

A geriatric care manager, usually a licensed nurse or social worker who specializes in geriatrics, is a sort of "professional relative" who can help you and your family to identify needs and find ways to meet your needs.

Geriatric Care Managers, also now known as Aging Life Care Professionals, are health and human services specialist who acts as a guide and advocate for families who are caring for older relatives or disabled adults.

You may need a care manager if the person you are caring for:

has multiple medical or psychological issues
is unable to live safely in their current environment
is not pleased with current care providers and requires advocacy
is confused about their own financial and/or legal situation
has limited or no family support

Or if your family:

has just become involved with helping the individual and needs direction about available services
is either "burned out" or confused about care solutions
has limited time and/or expertise in dealing with the individual's chronic care needs and does not live close by
is at odds regarding care decisions
needs education and/or direction in dealing with behaviors associated with dementia

Their guidance leads families to the actions and decisions that ensure quality care and an optimal life for those they love, thus reducing worry, stress and time off of work for family caregivers through:

Assessment and monitoring
Planning and problem-solving
Education and advocacy
Family caregiver coaching

Hiring a care manager should be no different than hiring an attorney to help with legal problems or a CPA to help with tax problems.

Below is a partial list of services they provide:

Assess the level and type of care needed and develop a care plan
Take steps to start the care plan and keep it functioning
Make sure care is received in a safe and disability friendly environment
Resolve family conflicts and other family issues relating to long term care
Become an advocate for the care recipient and the family caregiver
Manage care for a loved one for out-of-town families
Conduct ongoing assessments to monitor and implement changes in care
Oversee and direct care provided at home
Coordinate the efforts of key support systems
Provide personal counseling
Help with Medicaid qualification and application
Arrange for services of legal and financial advisors
Manage a conservatorship for a care recipient
Provide assistance with placement in assisted living facilities or nursing homes
Monitor the care of a family member in a nursing home or in assisted living
Assist with the monitoring of medications
Find appropriate solutions to avoid a crisis
Coordinate medical appointments and medical information
Provide transportation to medical appointments
Assist families in positive decision making
Develop long range plans for older loved ones not now needing care