Geriatric Care Management

Managing all the care needs for someone can truly become a full-time job. Geriatric Care Management provides a solution for those who simply do not have the time to provide all the care management themselves.

Reasons for Hiring a Geriatric Care Manager

• Adult children who are short on time because they are still raising their own children (Sandwich Generation) and maintaining full-time jobs
• Adult children who do not live near their parents
• Siblings who want to avoid disagreements connected to one of them acting as the Care Manager
• Seniors who do not want their children to be responsible for their care
• Seniors who do not have any family members available to manage their care
• Seniors who have multiple medical conditions and need a professional to help navigate the best care solutions
• Seniors who find it easier to communicate with a non-family member due to emotional issues or memory loss

Geriatric Care Management Overview

Minimum Hours: A Geriatric Care Manager may be hired for a one-time assessment to determine care needs and coordinate a plan of care, or for ongoing services. Usually there is a flat fee for the initial assessment charged by the hour, and 1 to 3 hours may be needed.

Cost: Between $60 and $120 per hour typically, depending on your location.

Schedule: Geriatric Care Managers will meet with a client one time or on an ongoing schedule to keep care on track and to accompany the senior to doctor appointments or other necessary appointments, such as visiting potential care communities.

Credentials: Registered Nurses (R.N.), Licensed Counselors of Social Work (LCSW), and Counselors of Psychology, and sometimes Attorneys.

Certifications: Certification requires education qualifications (nursing, counseling, gerontology), supervision, work experience, written exams, and ongoing continuing education. Following are the 4 certifications currently offered:

• Care Manager Certified (CMC)
• Certified Case Manager (CCM)
• Certified Social Worker Case Manager (C-SWCM)
• Certified Advanced Social Worker in Case Management (C-ASWCM)

Services Offered — Evaluation of:

• Medical Care Needs
• Caregiving Needs
• Home Safety
• Medications
• Nutrition
• Hygiene
• Mental Anxiety or Depression
• Financial Requirements
• Insurance
• Socialization

Plan of Care Includes:

• Arrangement of Care Services
• Coordination and Communication of Medical Care
• Liaison between Family and Legal, Medical and Financial Providers
• Connection to Community Resources
• Assistance with Residential Placement or Relocation
• Management of Care Providers (Caregivers or Caregiving Agency)

Benefits:

• Provides a third-party to take out the emotional issues which may complicate care when family members are the care managers
• Local manager to maintain accountability for care when children do not live nearby
• Professional coordination and communication between all care service providers
• Professional feedback on medical care
• Advocate to interact with medical professionals during hospitalization or rehabilitation