Q. How do I know if I need a geriatric care manager?

A. Care management helps families understand where a person is at physically, cognitively, financially, and environmentally. Seniors and their families often do not know the resources available to them, and what geriatric care managers do is to provide seniors and families with a map of where they are at, what is available now, and what might be available to them in the future.

If you don't have the time or the experience to manage the care of an older person, you may need one. If the person's problems are becoming difficult to manage, it could also be worth consulting a geriatric care manager for an initial consultation.  Many families can become “stuck” in the process either due to family conflicts or not having enough information to know how to begin.

Q. What should I look for in a geriatric care manager?

A. A care manager should have several years of experience in planning for the elderly, have a degree in an area like nursing or social work, and be certified by the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. You also will want to check to ensure that the care manager is not getting paid a “finder’s fee/referral fee” to make recommendations to specific service providers.

Q. Do geriatric care managers provide home care services?

A. Many do, but you should check with an individual care manager.

Q. Are care managers available in the case of an emergency?

A. Many carry pagers and cellphones and are available around the clock.

Q. Are geriatric care management services covered by health insurance, Medicaid or Medicare?

A. Care management services are usually not covered by private or government health plans, though there are some exceptions. Many long term care insurance policies may also have a benefit for care management.

Q. How are fees calculated?

A. Fees can be hourly, monthly or a flat rate depending on the care manager.

Q. The concept of geriatric care management seems new to me. Is it?

A.  It is a new paradigm to think about having a professional step in. Families used to take care of Mom and Dad themselves. Now, there are other resources available, and it is hard to know what might be available to a family member. Hiring a geriatric care manager is like the difference between a do-it-yourself will that may or may not work properly upon death and having a quality estate plan done by a professional.

Q. What is the process of working with a care manager?

A.  While every situation is unique, often times a care manager will start the first meeting with a visit to the home in which the client is living.  This gives the care manager an opportunity to assess the living space and make recommendations that may enhance their safety and independence.  It also is usually more comfortable for the client to be in their own home setting during the meeting.  The first meeting may be 1-2 hours; during which time the Care Manager will ask many questions around health needs, family caregiving structure, finances and legal decision making tools.  All of the questions will help guide the care manager in developing a care plan.  The careplan will provide recommendations for community resources both short term and into the future.  

Q. How long does the care manager stay involved?

A. Families and clients direct how long the care manager is involved.  Some just want the care manager to provide the assessment and develop a care plan with recommended services.  Other times, care managers remain involved to set up and monitor services as well as provide check in visits, accompany clients to physician appointments and provide client and caregiving support and education.