Can a Geriatric Care Manager Help with Your Loved One?

By Lois Thompson

The National Institute on Aging refers to a Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) as a "sort of professional relative," who can help identify and meet the needs of older family members by managing the activities of daily living and coordinating health care.

Because many are licensed nurses or social workers, GCMs are particularly helpful when an elderly person has more complicated health concerns: they are trained to understand medical terminology and the complexities of the health care system. As a result of that training, a GCM can accompany seniors to doctors' appointments and help them understand their condition and care plan. They can also relay that information to family members.

GCMs can help with the following:

• Making home visits and suggesting needed services

• Addressing emotional concerns

• Evaluating in-home care needs

• Selecting care personnel

• Coordinating medical services

• Evaluating other living arrangements, if necessary

• Providing relief for caregivers

When should you think about hiring a GCM? Generally, when you notice that your loved one is struggling with daily activities, such as feeding, dressing, personal hygiene, managing finances and medications, housekeeping, shopping and meal preparation, communicating with others via mail or telephone, or driving or arranging other means of transportation.

GCMs can be especially beneficial when family members live far away.