A geriatric care manager is a professional who serves as an advocate and guide for caregivers for elderly or disabled adults. Geriatric care managers possess extensive knowledge about available resources for aging and disabled adults in their communities and can address a broad range of issues pertaining to your loved one’s care. You should exercise the same due diligence in choosing a geriatric care manager that you would with any other professional that will be working closely with you and your family.
- Be sure to choose a geriatric care manager who is a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM).
- Conduct a Better Business Bureau inquiry.
- Ask for references.
- Ask to see company literature and/or website.
- Ask how long the geriatric manager has been in practice.
- Ask about fees and any additional charges (mileage, phone calls, etc.)
- Ask if he or she has 24-hour availability and what services are provided as part of their on-call schedule.
- Determine how the lines of communications will be maintained. Will you receive a daily, weekly or monthly report? Will the communication be via email or phone?
- Communicate your concerns to the geriatric care manager and work with him or her to ensure your elderly loved one is safe and well cared for.
