Geriatric Care Managers

Description: A professional who specializes in assisting older persons and their families in meeting their day-to-day and long-term care needs. Most Geriatric Care Managers have training from bachelor degrees to multiple doctorates in gerontology, social work, psychology, and Nursing (RN Care Managers). Geriatric Care Managers, also known, as Elder Care Specialists are a newly recognized profession that is rapidly developing to help families adjust and cope with the challenges of an aging loved one.

Determining appropriate living arrangements and necessary supportive assistance are among the many services they offer. Care managers also provide needs and problem assessments, screening, arranging, and monitoring in-home help, counseling and support including family conflict mediation and crisis intervention. In addition they arrange for legal, financial, and medical services, evaluate housing options, and assist with relocating an older person to the most appropriate setting. They act as liaisons to families who are separated by long distances from their elderly loved ones making sure they are managing well, and alerting them to any concerns or problems that may arise. Geriatric Care Managers (GCMs) have extensive knowledge about the services and resources in their communities.

Note: All our Geriatric Care Managers are Registered Nurses (RNs) with a BS Degree in Nursing and extensive experience in the geriatric field, therefore they are called RN Care Managers.

Selecting: If possible it is a good idea to personally interview the care manager and ask about their qualifications to provide the services your family needs. Check their references, previous experience, education, and membership in professional care manager associations. Also if permitted, ask to speak to other clients they have worked with. Good communication will help determine a GCMs availability and how emergencies are to be handled. In addition it is important to determine a care manager's willingness to refer appropriately, and their knowledge of resources beyond their expertise. It is recommended that you take the time to make an informed decision about the best GCM for meeting your needs and find one conveniently located near your elderly loved one.

Benefits: Care management services are available in diverse settings and offer support and assistance to family caregivers. Their services are custom tailored to meet the client's preferences, and needs. The continuity of care management that is offered helps to save time, stress, and costs to the client or family. Ongoing monitoring of their living and care requirements can often avoid unnecessary admissions to hospitals and development of crisis situations.

Fees: The costs can be substantial, especially in the initial assessment stages and range from $50 to $150 per hour depending on location, qualifications, and actual services being provided. They are billed on a fee for service basis usually and are not covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or most private insurance policies. In certain cases, charges are billed to insurance carriers depending on specific coverage they offer and the history of an individual case.