The Benefits of a Geriatric Care Manager

A 2022 report prepared by the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation finds that 88% of adults aged 50-80 have a strong desire to “age in place”, staying in their current residence and community as long as possible. This desire to live at home has led to many adult children helping aging parents as they try to balance their own busy lives. But if family isn’t nearby, many seniors end up caring for themselves and/or their aging spouse or partner. 

While aging in place may be the preference for many, it comes with some unique challenges: getting access to adequate healthcare, managing daily life as health declines, and getting enough physical activity and social interaction. There’s a great need for seniors to have supportive services in their community, and one of the best ways to find support is through a local geriatric care manager (GCM). Here’s a closer look at some of the benefits a GCM can offer while an aging parent lives at home. 

What does a Geriatric Care Manager do?

Physical health assessment 

While a GCM is not a medical professional, they are well-versed in working with older adults and the common symptoms associated with aging. Through a consultative session, a GCM can guide a client to seek medical evaluation for things that might have been considered “part of aging”. Plus, since most engagements with a GCM are longer-term, GCMs are in a unique position to observe cognitive and physical changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Social-emotional wellbeing assessment 

A GCM will also meet with care recipients to evaluate their emotional and social landscapes. As a recent study indicates,  there is a strong correlation between social isolation and overall physical and cognitive health. In fact, being isolated raises the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and may even increase mortality in seniors. As loved ones face mobility challenges and health problems, it’s often more difficult for them to get out of the house to get the socialization they need. A geriatric care manager can help develop an engagement plan for your loved one.

Home Safety Assessment 

If your parent lives at home, you may be concerned about their safety, particularly if they’re dealing with cognitive decline or health concerns. A geriatric care manager will assess the safety of the home environment, pointing out any conditions which increase the risk of fall or injury. They’ll also determine whether assistive devices, such as bars near the toilet and in the shower, could help to prevent dangerous falls. Finally, they’ll also be able to recommend any important larger-scale improvements so your parent can age in place safely. 

Financial Health Assessment 

A GCM will also be able to consult on your overall financial health, evaluating your resources and working collaboratively to map out a plan that balances needs and available resources. They’re likely to have a trusted set of financial professionals to support the journey, such as financial planners, elder law professionals or even be able to recommend when it might be wise to consider power of attorney.

Development of overall care plan

A good care plan is not just about medical care, it’s about creating an environment and lifestyle that enables older adults to thrive in their setting, and GCMs are well trained to think about their clients holistically. They’re also wonderful conduits between family members and care recipients, with expertise in facilitating sometimes difficult conversations about driving, health , hygiene, or supporting a decision to move to senior living. 

In general, most GCMs will charge an hourly rate and if managing care providers or services directly, they will charge a percentage of those service fees.  

How do I find a GCM?

Many adult children make the mistake of waiting until a medical crisis occurs to find a geriatric care manager. Hiring a GCM early while your loved one is still living at home can help your parent thrive while aging in place and ensure that you make plans together for a future when staying at home may no longer be the safest option. 

The Aging Life Care Association hosts a national database of Geriatric Care Managers. And while they offer three levels of GCM membership, it’s often best to choose the GCM with whom you feel you have the best connection. This is, after all, a deeply personal service and it’s important to make sure that both you and your loved one feel comfortable with the choice.  

Ten Questions to Ask a Geriatric Care Manager

1. What are your credentials? Are you licensed?
2. Do you work independently or are you part of a care team? 
3. What happens if you are not available during an emergency? 
4. In what form will the initial assessment be delivered? 
5. What services do you offer? What services do you not provide?
6. Do you provide support in coordinating care services? 
7. How often do you plan to visit? Will these visits be virtual or in-person?
8. What can we expect in terms of regular communication, and will updates be shared in a standard format?
9. Do you have references? 
10. What is your fee structure? 

If you are working with multiple stakeholders, like siblings, aunts or uncles, it’s important that everyone feels included in the process. And don’t forget that the most important stakeholder in the decision is the care recipient themselves - they will be interacting most with the Geriatric Care Manager, so it’s paramount to instill a sense of agency, develop trust and inspire confidence.