What Is a Geriatric Care Manager?
Geriatric care managers are professionals who have diverse experience, education, and backgrounds. They specialize in helping older adults and their families cope with the challenges of aging. They have a specialized focus on aging issues and extensive knowledge about the costs, quality, and availability of resources in their communities.
Few states offer licenses for geriatric care managers. Most geriatric care managers belong to the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM) which recognizes four national certifications, all requiring testing and continuing education.
What Can a Geriatric Care Manager Do for You?
- Conduct comprehensive assessments — Geriatric care managers collect in-depth information about clients’ physical and mental health, their abilities and limitations, their home environment and financial resources. They then identify problems and offer solutions.
- Arrange and coordinate care
- Offer both short- and long-term assistance
- Monitor — Care managers act as an extra set of eyes and ears and, with the elder person’s permission, can alert families to problems.
- Intervene in a crisis
- Help with moving to a new environment
- Provide education, advocacy, counseling, and support
Note that not all care managers offer the same services nor do they have the same backgrounds or expertise.
What Are the Fees?
Fees vary. Most geriatric care managers charge hourly for their services, with their fees ranging from $75 per hour to $125 per hour, depending on their geographic location.
Home assessments may range from $250 to $500, depending on the amount of time spent on the assessment.
Most care mangers are independent practitioners and their service is not covered under Medicare. Senior social service agencies may have private care management available on a sliding scale.
Questions to Ask When Hiring a Geriatric Care Manager
- What are your professional credentials?
- Are you a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers?
- How long have you been providing care management services?
- Are you available for emergencies?
- What primary services do you offer?
- What is your fee structure?
- Do you charge for travel and mileage?
- Can you give me with references?