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What is a Geriatric Care
Manager?
Contributed by FGCMA
Florida Geriatric Care Managers Association
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A geriatric care manager (GCM) is an individual who specializes in
assisting older persons and their families in meeting their long-term care needs. Most
professional GCM's have training in gerontology, social work, nursing, or counseling.
SERVICES PROVIDED
Geriatric care managers help families adjust and cope with the challenges
of aging by
Conducting care-planning assessments to identify problems, eligibility
for assistance, and need for assistance;
Screening, arranging, and monitoring in-home help or other
services;
Reviewing financial, legal, or medical issues and offering referrals to
geriatric specialists to avoid future problems and conserve assets;
Providing crisis intervention;
Acting as a liaison to families at a distance, making sure things are
going well and alerting families to problems;
Assisting with moving an older person to or from a retirement complex,
care home, or nursing home;
Providing consumer education and advocacy;
Offering counseling and support.
BENEFITS OF CARE MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Care management services are offered in a variety of settings. Many
practitioners offer
Short-term or ongoing assistance for long-term
caregivers;
Personalized service specifically to meet the client’s wants and
needs;
Continuity of care management to reduce miscommunications, time, stress,
and costs to client;
Ongoing monitoring to prevent costly crises and unnecessary
hospitalizations.
CARE MANAGEMENT FEES
Billed privately on a fee-for-service basis
Not covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or by most health insurance
policies
Some fees billed to some insurance carriers,
depending on the history of the individual case
CHOOSING A GERIATRIC CARE MANAGER
If possible, personally interview the
care manager you are considering hiring and check references, previous experience, and
credentials. Ask about membership in professional care manager associations and if
possible speak with other clients he or she may have. Good communication with a qualified
care manager will help create a positive experience for all involved. |
