Geriatric Care Managers

Geriatric Care Managers are individuals trained in human services and their job is to provide services to the elderly and the families of those individuals. They help to determine needs, organize plans of care and services, monitor wellbeing, and provide assistance to the elderly as needed. Geriatric Care Managers are certified by either the National Association of Social Workers, the National Academy of Certified Care Managers, or the Commission for Case Managers. A key aspect of the job of Geriatric Care Managers is advocacy, they are an advocate for their clients and client’s families and operate on their behalf. They are able to determine needs and find ways to meet those needs. 

The National Institute on Aging identifies these nine aspects of the role of a Geriatric Care Manager: discussing difficult topics, making home visits, addressing emotional concerns, making short and long-term plans, evaluating in-home care needs, selecting care personnel, coordinating medial services, evaluating living arrangements, and providing relief for caregivers. 

Geriatric Care Managers are a great option for people who don’t live near family who can take on the responsibilities of helping someone age. Helping someone age involves a lot of emotion and a Care Manager can help to take out some of the emotions and maintain objectivity in navigating the logistics of care. Family members may be needing relief from the stress of managing care and a care manager can help eliminate that stress. Care can also be complicated, many aspects of caring for loved ones as they age can be complicated and unfamiliar, Geriatric Care Managers are experts who can solve issues faster than a family member may be able to. 

Like all aspects of aging in place being able to afford a Geriatric Care Manager takes planning. The services they provide can be expensive, and insurance often doesn’t cover the cost. An initial consultation can cost a couple hundred dollars and the average hourly rate is over a hundred dollars as well. It is not cheap but can be worth it for many as they age. Since it is an expensive service it is important that those seeking this service do their due diligence and make sure to find the right Geriatric Care Manager, eldercare locator can help to find care managers but it is important to make sure those you consider are licensed care managers and have solid references. Along with making sure the care manager is qualified and skilled it is important that they are a good match for the person they are caring for and the family they are working with. Unlike other jobs a Geriatric Care Manager is a job that is very personal and it is important that they are a good match.