A Place for Mom's Family

We have a geriatric care manager for my husbands grandmother. We have found this extremely beneficial, as her adult children live out of state. The geriatric care manager keeps an eye on the care she receives at the assisted living community. Also, she takes grandma to all of her doctor appointments and communicates to the doctor and reports back to the family after the visit. I think a good geriatric care manager is worth their weight in gold in many cases!

Linda I agree!  GCM's can be so helpful to families, especially when there are a lot of family dynamics.  I work with a few GCM's here in Maryland, and they do a wonderful service for families.  No wonder the Advisors at A Place For Mom work hand in hand with them so well!

They are truly a life saver. I coordinated one for a family in Minnesota, way up high in the hills, very remote area, the adult children live here in California, the Case manager has truly kept things in focus and even got them medicated correctly. OUR next goal is too move them here to CALIFORNIA, the Case Manager will now be communicating with a Case amanger here in California to help with the transistion.   A great website that I gained from this Case Manager is called USA.GOV FOR SENIORS 1-800-333-4636 a real person answers the telephone and can direct you to great contacts based on geographical locations. www.USA.gov/topics/seniors.shtml  Very helpful and nationwide!

Who and what is a Geriatric Care Manager?

Q: What is a Geriatric Care Manager?
A: A professional geriatric care manager (GCM) is an expert, such as a social worker, counselor, gerontologist or nurse, who specializes in assisting older people and their families to attain the highest quality of life given their circumstances.

Q: Who uses a GCM?
A: GCMs provide services that assist individuals and families. Businesses and professionals in the legal, health, and financial arenas, utilize GCMs to ensure that their clients understand their options, have their needs met, and they receive quality care.

Q: How can GCMs assist family caregivers?
A: GCMs assist families and caregivers in numerous ways.  They conduct care-planning assessments to identify problems and to provide solutions; screen, arrange, and monitor in-home help or other services; provide short- or long-term assistance for caregivers living near or far away; review financial, legal, or medical issues and offer referrals to geriatric specialists; provide crisis intervention; act as a liaison to families at a distance, overseeing care, and quickly alerting families to problems; assist with moving an older person to or from a retirement complex, assisted care home, or nursing home; provide consumer education and advocacy; offer counseling and support.  Some GCMs also provide family or individual therapy, finance management, conservatorship or guardianship assistance, and/or caregiving services.
 
Q: Do GCMs also assist other populations?
A: Most care management practices focus on older adults, though many have the capability and knowledge to serve others with chronic conditions.

Q: Where can I find a geriatric care manager in my area?
A:  If you will visit www.caremanager.org and click on “Find a Care Manager,” you can find a care manager in your area.

I recently used some of your notes here to explain to a family the features and benefits and PURPOSE of a GCM. they were so responsive! I also gave out that website. Thanks again!

Belinda Battistelli

Eldercare Advisor

I have had a close working relationship with a local geriatric case manager for several years.  We have truly come to work hand in hand with one another.  I never cease to be impressed with the wonderful feedback that I get from families who I refer to my GCM.  Not only does she help my families, but on several occassions she has helped me with a really tough case.  In many areas their services are similar to an elderlaw attorney, yet the charges are more affordable.  I would so strongly encourage anyone in need to contact a local GCM!!!