Definitions
What Is…a Geriatric Care Manager?
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One of the first things Gilbert Guide recommends to anyone searching for long-term care for themselves or a loved one is to obtain a professional care assessment through a case manager, or a geriatric care manager (GCM). GCMs usually have a background in health and human services—often times, a GCM is also a gerontologist, nurse, social worker, or psychologist with a specialized focus on issues related to senior care and aging. In essence, a GCM is a professional advocate who helps guide you through the ins and outs of the oftentimes-confusing process of locating appropriate long-term care and deciphering all of its associated issues. By evaluating an individual’s level of functioning, along with their health, emotional, financial and legal needs, a GCM helps to identify problems and needs, and offer practical solutions.GCMs help ease the stress of searching for long-term care by intervening in crises, counseling and supporting you and your loved one and educating and advocating on your behalf. Based on your specific needs, they personalize your plan of services. GCMs can be hired to help you in times of crisis, should you need respite or as the full-time point of contact for all senior care services. Most Gilbert Guide-listed GCM is a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM).
Posted in: Caregiver Support, Elder Care, Essential Resources, Geriatric Care Management, Geriatric Care Managers: How They Can Help
They sound really expensive. What guarantee is there that you’ll get what you pay for? Feels a bit like hiring a lawyer where you don’t really know the outcome.
To use your analogy, would you feel confident reprsenting yourself in a court of law? GCM’s work for you, they are your personal advocates. Remember that nursing/assisted living facilities are a business…they want to make a profit. They promise you the world to get your loved one admitted then over time more and more problems occur. GMC’s know the business and how to get things done. They are aware of the way they operate, such as, RUG levels and quality indicators. They make sure your loved one is receiving the care they deserve, they know the programs available that the nursing facilities don’t always suggest to save the facility money. Their fee’s are reasonable and are usually fee for service only…you should be able to stop services at any time. Research the GCM well. Find out thier experience in long term care and care plan coordination. Make sure they know the “business” inside and out, don’t rely on just a degree. Good luck!
Being a GCM and a former Executive Director of both skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, usually on the campus of a continuing care retirement community, I can sympathize with both of the above comments. My strong recommendation for any senior or family member is to meet with the prospective GCM and discuss your concerns and issues. In that discussion, whether in person and long distance, you will be able to decide if this person has the professional experience, the sensitivity to understand your issues, and the ability to make clear recommendation. The services of a GCM can be the best expenditure of money for a senior or family member just entering the world of long term care decisions. Bill Crittenden
Care management can be expensive. A good assessment with recommendations averages $500 in Dallas. A month in an assisted living averages $2500+. Using a geriatric care manager can be very cost effective, if it saves you the cost of moving to the wrong facility, or can help you keep the elder at home for one month.