• What is a Geriatric Care Manager?
• Do I really need a Geriatric Care Manager?
• What should I ask when looking for a PGCM?
• Questions to ask when choosing a particular PGCM.

What is a Geriatric Care Manager?

A Geriatric Care Manager is a health and human services professional, such as a gerontologist, social worker, counselor, or nurse, with a specialized body of knowledge and experience related to aging and elder care issues. A Professional Geriatric Care Manager (PGCM) is a geriatric care manager who is a member of GCM and has committed to adhering to the GCM Pledge of Ethics and Standards of Practice. The PGCM 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.

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Do I really need a Geriatric Care Manager?

• Are the problems that you or your loved ones are facing becoming larger or 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 problems?

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What should I ask when looking for a PGCM?

People calling themselves care managers have many different backgrounds. Very few states have licensing for these professionals; however, many are licensed in their state in other fields. The professional organization (GCM) recognizes the following certifications as being a "Certified Care Manager": CMC, CCM, A-CSW and C-SWCM. These require testing and continuing education. It is important for the wise consumer to ask questions. Some of these include:

• Are you a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers?
• Are you certified as a care manager? Do you hold other professional licenses or certifications?
• How long have you been providing care management services?
• Are you available for emergencies?
• Does your company also provide home care services?
• How will you communicate information to me?
• Can you provide me with references?

Care managers do not specialize in all areas. When a care manager says he/she practices "care management," find out which matters he/she handles. You will want to hire someone who regularly handles clients in the area of your concern.

Care managers who primarily work with older adults bring more to their practice than an expertise in geriatrics. They bring knowledge of aging issues that allow them and their staff to overcome the myths relating to aging and to focus on the problems at hand. At the same time, they will bring an experience of working with resources in your community. They are more aware of real life problems, health and otherwise, that emerge as persons age and what tools are available to address them. They are tied into a formal or informal system of social workers, nurses, psychologists, elder law attorneys, advocates, and other elder care professionals who may be of assistance to you.

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Questions to ask when choosing a particular PGCM.

Ask lots of questions before choosing your care manager. Start with the initial phone call. Is the call professionally answered? If you leave a message, is it returned promptly? Of course, this is an indication of the kind of professional relationship you can expect. In addition to the above questions, you should also ask:

• >What are the primary services provided by this agency/business?
• What other services does this agency/business provide?
• How many care managers are there in this agency/business?
• Is there a fee for the initial consultation and if so, how much is it?
• Given the nature of your problem, what information should you bring with you to the initial consultation?
• Should other family members/friends/caregivers come to the initial consultation?
• What will the initial consultation include?

The answers to your questions will assist you in determining whether that particular care manager and agency/business has the qualifications important to you for a successful relationship. If you have a specific issue that requires immediate attention, be sure to inform the care manager of this during the initial telephone conversation.

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