Geriatric Care Manager

What is a geriatric care manager?

Geriatric care managers (GCM) have special training and experience in the care of older adults.

GCMs usually have a degree in social work, psychology, nursing, or gerontology. (Gerontology is the study of aging and the problems of older adults). They may also be called case managers, elder care managers, or care coordinators.

How can a geriatric care manager help?

GCMs can help when family members live far away from aging relatives. They can also help when family members live nearby but cannot provide all of the assistance needed. GCMs can help make sure older adults get the best possible care. They can also ensure that they get any benefits available to them.

Case managers can help with the care of older adults in a number of ways. For example, they may:

• Do an assessment to see what services are needed.
• Get help from federal, state, or local programs.
• Coordinate medical services.
• Help you get home care services and make sure you are getting what is needed.
• Review financial, legal, or medical issues. They can give you referrals to others who can help with these issues.
• Provide help for medical needs during a crisis--for example, if an older adult has a fall or serious problems with confusion.
• Check in regularly with the older adult. They can let you know about problems as they come up.
• Help an older adult move to or from assisted living or a nursing facility.

What ways are there to pay for care management?

The fees depend on where you live and what services you need. Fees for private case managers are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid. However, some other health plans do cover these services. Check with your health insurance company to see if they cover care management. Long-term care insurance usually does include it.

If you cannot afford a private care manager, call your local Area Agency on Aging. They can refer you to a city, county, or nonprofit agency that offers low-cost or no-cost care management.

Some states have a Medicaid waiver program that provides care management for people 65 and older if they qualify for both nursing facility placement and Medicaid.

How do I find a care manager?

Your healthcare provider is a good place to start your search. You might also check with:

• your local Area Agency on Aging (call 1-800-677-1116 for the agency in your area)
• local hospitals and HMOs
• senior centers
• religious organizations
• community mental health or human service agencies
• Yellow Page listings for senior services, care management, or home healthcare agencies.

Be cautious in choosing a care manager. There are no state or national regulations for geriatric care managers. Anyone can call themselves a case or care manager. Look for a GCM who is certified. The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM) requires continuing education and testing. The NAPGCM provides a national directory on their Web site: http://www.caremanager.org/.

What questions should I ask?

To help you find the right care manager, you may want to ask:

• Is the GCM recommended by a person or professional organization you respect?
• What education and experience do they have?
• What experience do they have with your particular problems, struggles, or diagnosis?
• Do they have references from past clients?
• Are they licensed or certified as a psychologist, nurse, or social worker?
• What are the fees? Are they covered by your health insurance plan?
• Above all, are you comfortable with the care manager? Do you feel you can trust him or her?