When using a geriatric care manager to assist with your long term care, you want to make sure you are choosing the right one for you and your family. Following the recommendations listed below will help to ensure that you are happy with your decision.
- Utilize the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers website as a tool in locating managers in your area. They can be found at www.caremanager.org.
- Make sure you ask for references when speaking with a care manager for the first time.
- Ask for information regarding the company they work with. You will want to review any pamphlets and websites. Also find out how many years of experience they have as a company.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau. You can access their website at www.bbb.org.
- Make sure that all fees, contracts and extra charges are explained to you. Make sure that they include any fees charged for mileage and phone calls.
- Make sure that you understand all services they will be providing you and their on-call schedule.
- Ask them about their communication practices when it comes to family members. If you are not located near your aging loved one, you will want to make sure that you choose a service that can act as your “eyes and ears.”
- Make sure that any problems or concerns you may have are communicated clearly with them and be able to work as a team to solve the problems. The main goal is to keep your loved one safe and comfortable.
