About Us

Who We Are.

Private Geriatric Care Managers are professionals with degrees in the field of human services (social work, psychology, gerontology) or substantial equivalent (i.e. RN), who are certified or licensed at the independent practice level in their state.

What We Do.

The geriatric care manager receives inquiries from adult children or other family members (including those living at a distance from their elders), and referrals from attorneys, hospitals, nursing homes, physicians, community agencies, employee assistance programs, and the general public.

Throughout the elder care process, many find it helpful to bring in a professional with expertise in senior care issues. A geriatric care manager specializes in assisting older people and their families with long-term care arrangements. Private care managers remain independent from the resources they recommend in order to provide an unbiased assessment of the situation.

Geriatric Care Managers can:

• Conduct care-planning assessments to identify problems, and need for services.
  
• Screen, arrange, and monitor senior services.
  
• Act as a liaison to families at a distance.
  
• Offer counseling and support.
  
• Provide information, referral and placement.
  
• Offer crisis intervention and care management services.

When to Involve Us.

Geriatric Care Managers can work with families and elders to develop a plan prior to the need for services in addition to intervening in situations that have occurred suddenly. The goal is for care managers to identify issues before they arise and develop contingency plans, rather than wait until they become a major problem. Sometimes, care managers are brought into a situation by another professional who is seeking guidance from a geriatric specialist. Care managers services to clients along a continuum; some may still be living independently in the community while others are residents of a senior housing complex or nursing facility.

The Assessment Process.

An important part of the care manager's role is the initial assessment, which may last a few hours. During the assessment, care managers will explore client needs and determine how to build upon existing strengths. After an assessment, a care plan can be developed. Recommendations, guidance and referrals are offered.

The care manager's role does not have to end once the needed services are arranged. Care managers can also offer ongoing monitoring of the situation, and often long-term relationships are developed between the client, family and care manager.

Care managers will often meet with families and seniors in their own home or a place of their choice. It is often helpful to have all involved parties present during some or all of the initial assessment to ensure that an accurate assessment is provided.