As people age, they may need help with their daily activities, healthcare, and finances. A geriatric care manager (GCM) can help families navigate the complexities of elder care and relieve them of the stress and anxiety that so often comes along with it.

Who are geriatric care managers?

Geriatric care managers are professionals who specialize in helping older adults and their families. They have a wide range of knowledge and experience in elder care, and they can provide a variety of services, including:

• Assessment: GCMs can assess your loved one’s needs and develop a care plan that meets those needs.
• Care coordination: GCMs can coordinate care between different providers, such as doctors, nurses, and therapists.
• Resource assistance: GCMs can help you find and access resources, such as financial assistance, transportation, and housing.
• Advocacy: GCMs can advocate for your loved one’s needs with doctors, insurance companies, and other organizations.

At ALLEC we use our AGE™ Method to provide the following:

• Identifying the needs of the client
• Establishing a personalized Plan of Care
• Putting the Plan of Care in motion and revising accordingly
• Overseeing, supervising, and helping to manage ongoing care
• Assisting with medication management
• Providing patient education
• Offering referrals to outside resources
• Advocating for all of the client’s needs and requests

As Care Managers also serve as liaisons between the various parties involved in the client’s care. For example, we coordinate with the client’s families, physicians, clinicians, wealth managers, trust officers and Caregivers. We also interact with the client encouraging their input in decision making and maintaining control of their complex health and financial needs with proper guidance and assistance.

Who do geriatric care managers help?

Geriatric care managers can help anyone who is caring for an older adult, including:

• Adult children who are caring for their aging parents
• Spouses who are caring for their ill or disabled spouse
• Friends or neighbors who are caring for an older adult
• Legal guardians or conservators of older adults
  
  

What services do geriatric care managers provide?

The specific services that a GCM provides will vary depending on the needs of the individual or family. However, some common services include:

• Assessment of the older adult’s needs
• Development of a care plan
• Coordination of care between different providers
• Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and eating
• Transportation to appointments
• Help with managing finances
• Advocacy for the older adult’s needs

How to find a geriatric care manager?

If you are considering hiring a geriatric care manager, there are a few things you can do to find the right one for your family:

• Ask for referrals from friends, family, or your doctor.
• Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA).
• Search online for GCMs in your area.

When interviewing GCMs, be sure to ask about their experience, qualifications, and fees. You should also feel comfortable with their personality and approach to elder care.

Geriatric care managers can be a valuable resource for families who are caring for an older adult. They can help you assess your loved one’s needs, develop a care plan, and coordinate care between different providers. 

If you are interested in learning more about how a geriatric care manager can help you and your loved one, please contact us today. 

We would be happy to answer your questions and schedule a consultation.