Choosing a Geriatric Care Manager for Your Loved One

• Identifying community resources
• Helping you to navigate public and private services
• Providing support and advocacy

But how do you find the right GCM for your particular needs?Checking Background, Credentials, and Licensing According to the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM), an organization of practitioners who work to advance expert assistance to the elderly and their families, professional GCMs have diverse backgrounds and some have licenses in fields such as nursing or social work.When choosing a GCM for your loved one, be sure to consider their:

• Areas of specialty or expertise
• Knowledge of the local community and its resources
• Network of social workers, psychologists, advocates and other elder care professionals
• Certifications including Care Manager Certified (CMC) from the National Academy of Certified Care Managers, Certified Case Manager (CCM) from the Commission for Case Manager Certification, Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager or Certified Social Work Case Manager from the National Association of Social Workers

Characteristics of a Good Geriatric Case Manager Qualities that make a good GCM are the same qualities that you would want to find in anyone who provided assistance to an elderly loved one. Look for traits such as competence, knowledge, integrity, and compassion.The Bloomberg Businessweek post, “The Elderly: Finding a Good Geriatric Care Manager,” suggests finding someone…with experience dealing with issues similar to those of your relative. If a parent has a complicated medical history, consider hiring someone with a nursing background to coordinate care among doctors, who often don’t talk with each other…Finding someone – the right someone – can benefit you and your loved one. For more information on care managers, senior care, in-home care, and more, browse our website, read our blog, or contact us.