Geriatric Care Managers

A Geriatric Care Manager is a health and human services professional, such as a social worker, counselor, gerontologist or nurse, with a specialized body of knowledge and experience related to aging and elder care issues. The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM) assists older adults and persons with disabilities in attaining their maximum functional potential. The PGCM strives to respect the autonomy of the individual and delivers care-coordination and support services with sensitivity to preserve the dignity and respect of each individual. In addition, the PGCM is an experienced guide and resource for families of older adults and others with chronic needs.

Do I Really Need a Geriatric Care Manager?

Before making the effort to obtain a geriatric care manager, step back a moment and try to determine whether your needs exceed your ability to treat them on your own. Ask yourself, “do I have the time, inclination and skills to manage these issues myself?” If you are not unsure what your needs are, ask someone you trust like your clergy, your doctor, a social worker, your financial advisor, or a friend to help you decide whether an elder care expert would be helpful. Enlisting the support of other family members to consult a professional is also a good way to build consensus on the solutions.

Other questions that you may wish to consider are:

Are the issues that you or your loved ones are facing becoming larger and more complex than you can comfortably manage? Are other demands and responsibilities now so great that you are not able to provide the desired level of supervision and attention to your loved one’s needs?

Continued