What is a Geriatric Care Manager?
You may have come across the term “Geriatric Care Manager” (GCM for short) or “Aging Life Care Professional®” at a doctor’s appointment or perhaps in an internet search about caring for an elderly parent.
What does a GCM do?
Who does it?
Do you need it?
What does it cost?
Is it covered by insurance or Medicare?
A Geriatric Care Manager or Aging Life Care Professional® (the terms are used interchangeably) is someone who helps families learn about the options for both short-term and long-term care of their aging parent or loved one.
They are compassionate experts in the field of aging and their background training is often as a nurse or social worker. They are dedicated to helping the elderly age with dignity and tend to be advocates in the face of the all-too-familiar ageist attitudes that are so common today. They promote as much independence as is safely possible and think and act holistically as they address the needs of the elderly.
What support do Geriatric Care Managers provide?
GCMs help families make positive, informed decisions about the entire aging process. Often they are an integral partner as families develop care plans, looking to anticipate issues that may be coming up and to solve problems quickly. They are valuable problem solvers in crises, and they consider the well-being of their client from many perspectives, including different housing options, health issues, care requirements, legal considerations and financial needs.
Sometimes GCMs will attend medical appointments with your parent; they work closely with either familial or non-familial caregivers to help them provide the highest level of care for your Mom or Dad.
Because they have experience and a wealth of knowledge, Aging Life Care managers can help with the difficult conversations and answer the questions you don’t even know to ask. GCM’s are particularly helpful for families with complex needs or for families who live geographically distant from their parent.
When the adult child lives far away, it can be very comforting to have a professional and compassionate set of local eyes and ears who has no agenda except enhancing the well-being of your Mom or Dad. GCMs/Aging Life Care Managers tend to develop very strong professional networks, so when you or your parent needs expertise in other areas (for example, guidance about insurance options or advanced directives) they can help provide referrals.
Are Geriatric Care Managers covered by insurance?
Care managers’ services are generally not covered by insurance, but GCMs can be very useful in helping you get reimbursed for the services that are covered and can direct you to many resources that are either free of charge or low cost. Some care managers charge a flat fee for an initial assessment of your parent’s needs and most charge by the hour for on-going support.
Finally, and perhaps most critically, Aging Life Care Professionals® truly enjoy being with the elderly and helping to improve the quality of their lives. Personally, I love hearing my clients’ stories, laughing with them and listening to the wisdom that advanced years brings to most of us.
Please reach out to me if you would like to schedule a free, 30-minute consultation.