Like any other service professional, hiring a Geriatric Care Manager
can be particularly daunting since it’s a relatively new field that is
not credentialed. It’s not like ten of your friends will have used a
care manager they can refer to you. That’s why it’s important to do a
little homework in order to find the most appropriate person for your
situation.
Professional geriatric care managers have diverse experience, education, and backgrounds. Many hold state licenses in their field such as nursing or social work.
Geriatric
Care Managers who primarily work with older adults bring more to their
practice than an expertise in geriatrics. They bring knowledge of aging
issues that allows them and their staff to overcome the myths relating
to aging and to focus on the problems at hand. At the same time, they
will bring an experience of working with resources in your
community. They are most aware of real life problems, health and
otherwise, that emerge as people age and the tools that are available to
address those issues. They are also connected with a community of
social workers, nurses, psychologists, elder law attorneys and other
care 
professionals who may be of assistance to you.
Many Geriatric Care Managers have dropped the “Geriatric” to emphasize that they also serve other populations such as adults with physical and cognitive impairments who have similar needs as older adults.
Many Geriatric Care Managers have websites; look them over before you make that first call. Check out caremanager.org
which has the listings of Geriatric Care Managers who belong to the
National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.
Here are some questions you can ask a potential care manager:
- What are the primary services provided by your agency/business?
- How many Geriatric Care Managers are in your agency/business?
- Is there a fee for the initial consultation and, if so, how much?
- What are your professional credentials?
- Are you licensed in your profession?
- Are you a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers?
- How long have you been providing care management services?
- Are you available for emergencies?
- Does your company also provide home care services?
- How do you communicate information?
- What are your fees? (These should be provided to the responsible party in writing prior to services starting.)
- Can you provide me with references?
The answers to your questions will assist you in determining whether that particular Geriatric Care Manager and agency/business has the qualifications important to you for a successful relationship. If you have a specific issue that requires immediate attention, be sure to inform the Geriatric Care Manager of this during the initial conversation.
