What is a Geriatric Care Manager?

What is a geriatric care manager?

A geriatric care manager is a professional who can help you and your family find resources, make decisions, and manage stress when it comes to aging-related issues. They can be trained as social workers, nurses, gerontologists, counselors, etc. The geriatric care manager may have a private practice or work for a community-based agency. Most importantly, they have training specifically in issues relevant to older adults and their families.

Why do I need a geriatric care manager?

Care managers are particularly helpful during times of transition. It might be a transition you are anticipating and planning for, such as moving from your home into some type of senior housing. Or it might be a transition brought about by an unexpected crisis such as a stroke or other acute illness. In either case, it can be a challenging and confusing time.  

As you and your loved ones make decisions about the future, you receive lots of information. It can be hard to process it all at once. Sometimes you won’t even know what’s most important or what you need until after things have settled down and the crisis or moment of change has passed. Then you need practical information about the issue at hand, about resources and services, and about how to manage it all moving forward.  

A care manager can help you identify what’s most important during the transition and then help you navigate health care and social services that are often fragmented and poorly coordinated.

What can I expect from a geriatric care manager?

A care manager will conduct an in-person assessment of your needs. They will ask you questions about your loved one’s health and living situation including his/her everyday activities, nutrition, safety, memory, mental health, finances, insurance, and health history.

Based on this assessment, the care manager will create a care plan that includes recommendations and referrals for community-based services. They’ll go through the plan with you, work with you to prioritize the list, and then help you put it into action.

The care manager can provide or refer you to a variety of services. These might include crisis intervention, counseling, financial management, decision making about housing options, and moving your loved one into elder care home. They will also continue to monitor your loved one’s situation to make adjustments over time as needed.

How much does geriatric care management cost?

The cost varies, so you will need to talk with the care manager about this, but some agencies may offer a sliding scale fee. Unfortunately, geriatric care managers are not currently covered in most insurance policies and are not paid by either Medicare or Medicaid.

How do I find a geriatric care manager?

The Aging Life Care Association has a lot of information about care managers including a directory that can help you find one in your area. Visit their website for more information. 

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