What is a geriatric care manager?

A geriatric care manager, also called an Aging Life Care Professional, is a health and human services specialist who guides and advocates for families caring for older relatives. The Aging Life Care Association says they come from fields such as nursing, social work, gerontology, counseling and psychology. The National Institute on Aging notes that geriatric care managers can work with families to create a long-term care plan.

A geriatric care manager assesses an older person's needs, writes a care plan, and then arranges and monitors services. The Aging Life Care Association lists eight areas: health and disability, finances, housing, family support, local resources, advocacy, legal referrals and crisis help. For dementia, they can attend doctor visits, give direction on dementia behaviors, help choose housing and coordinate home health or hospice.

Costs vary by location and experience, and the service may not be covered by insurance. The Aging Life Care Association advises asking whether the first consultation has a fee and how much ongoing care costs, and getting fees in writing before services start. Ask too how often they bill and about out-of-pocket charges such as mileage or caregiving supplies, which many care managers charge for.

Search the Aging Life Care Association's online directory by city, state or zip code, then interview a few candidates. The association suggests asking about their credentials and experience, areas of expertise, how long they have practiced, whether they are available for emergencies, how they communicate with families and what they charge. Once you choose one, ask for a written agreement that lists services and fees.

An Aging Life Care Manager is a care manager who belongs to the Aging Life Care Association, the professional group for what many families call geriatric care managers. Only members may use the title, and they must meet the association's education, experience and certification requirements and follow its Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Many come from nursing or social work and focus on aging and elder care.