When should you hire a geriatric manager? A comprehensive guide for families

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of adults aged 65 and older is projected to nearly double by 2060, making geriatric care an increasingly complex challenge for families. You should hire a geriatric manager when a loved one's needs become too complex or overwhelming for family caregivers to handle alone, often in response to a health crisis, long-distance caregiving, or family disagreements.

Quick Summary

A geriatric care manager acts as a professional guide for families navigating the complex landscape of elder care, from assessing needs and developing care plans to coordinating services and mediating family conflicts. This guide provides a detailed look at the key indicators that signal it is time to seek professional support.

Key Points

• Complexity of Care: Hire a geriatric manager when an elderly loved one has multiple complex medical conditions, is on several medications, or has recently experienced a health crisis.

• Long-Distance Caregiving: If you live far from your aging family member, a geriatric care manager can act as your local representative, overseeing care and communicating with all parties involved.

• Overwhelmed Caregivers: Seek a geriatric manager when family caregivers are feeling burned out, stressed, or struggling to manage their responsibilities.

• Family Conflict: Use a geriatric care manager as a neutral third party to mediate disagreements among family members about the loved one's care.

• Proactive Planning: It is often beneficial to hire a geriatric manager before a crisis occurs to assess needs and create a long-term care plan.

• Housing and Transitions: A care manager can provide expert guidance when evaluating living situations, helping with transitions to assisted living, or arranging for home modifications.

• Expertise and Advocacy: Geriatric care managers have specialized knowledge and can advocate for the senior's needs with healthcare providers, ensuring they receive the best possible care.

Caring for an aging loved one can be one of life's most rewarding, yet challenging, experiences. As a family caregiver, you may find yourself stretched thin between managing your own life and overseeing your parent's complex medical, financial, and emotional needs. A geriatric care manager (also known as an aging life care professional) is a licensed expert, often with a background in nursing or social work, who can help lift this burden. Knowing when should you hire a geriatric manager can make the difference between a reactive crisis and proactive, stress-free planning. It is best to bring in this professional before a crisis occurs, but they are also invaluable during and after one.

Key indicators it's time to hire a geriatric manager

Several signs indicate that a loved one or family may benefit from the expertise of a geriatric care manager:

• Chronic health issues: An elderly person with multiple, complex medical conditions and numerous specialists can become overwhelmed, and so can their family. A geriatric care manager can act as a central hub, coordinating appointments, medications, and communication between providers.
• Recent health crisis: A sudden hospitalization or a new diagnosis can dramatically change a person's care needs. A geriatric care manager can be instrumental during transitions, such as moving from a hospital to a rehabilitation center or home, ensuring the discharge plan is followed correctly.
• Long-distance caregiving: When family members live far away, it is difficult to provide reliable oversight. A geriatric care manager can serve as your local eyes and ears, managing care on the ground and keeping family members updated.
• Caregiver burnout: Caring for an aging loved one is a relentless task that can lead to physical and mental exhaustion. A geriatric care manager can provide much-needed respite by assessing the situation and arranging for supportive services.
• Difficult family dynamics: Disagreements among siblings or other family members regarding a parent's care can cause significant stress. A care manager acts as a neutral third party to mediate discussions and help the family reach a consensus.
• Navigating housing options: Whether assessing if a senior can safely age in place or evaluating assisted living facilities, a care manager is knowledgeable about local resources and can help find the best fit.
• Financial and legal concerns: Many older adults face complex financial and legal matters. While care managers do not provide legal advice, they can make referrals to qualified elder law attorneys and financial planners and help ensure all the pieces of the puzzle are in place.

The comprehensive services provided by a geriatric care manager

When you hire a geriatric care manager, you are enlisting a professional to provide a holistic approach to your loved one's well-being. Their services extend beyond simple coordination to include:

• Assessment and evaluation: Conducting an initial assessment of the client's home environment, medical needs, and psychosocial well-being.
• Personalized care planning: Creating a short-term and long-term care plan that is tailored to the individual's unique needs and preferences.
• Resource coordination: Connecting families with local community services, such as transportation, meal delivery, and support groups.
• Advocacy: Attending medical appointments to represent the client's interests and communicate effectively with healthcare providers.
• Emotional support: Providing a steady, knowledgeable presence for both the senior and family caregivers during stressful times.

Geriatric Care Manager vs. Family Caregiver: A comparison

While the love and dedication of a family caregiver are invaluable, a geriatric care manager brings a distinct set of skills and expertise to the table. This is not about replacing the family caregiver but complementing their role.

Feature	Geriatric Care Manager	Family Caregiver
Expertise	Professional training in gerontology, social work, or nursing; experienced with navigating the healthcare system and resources.	Deep personal knowledge of the loved one's history and preferences; motivated by love and emotional connection.
Objectivity	Provides an unbiased, objective perspective on care decisions, mediating family conflicts when needed.	Can be emotionally invested, making difficult decisions more challenging and potentially leading to family disputes.
Time Commitment	Hired for a specific scope of work, which may be a one-time assessment or ongoing support.	Often bears a heavy, ongoing burden of care, which can lead to burnout.
Cost	Typically paid out-of-pocket, with costs ranging from $90 to $250 per hour, though some long-term care insurance policies may cover it.	The "cost" is often unseen, involving lost wages, emotional strain, and personal time sacrificed.
Scope	Manages a wide array of services, from healthcare coordination to housing transitions.	Focuses on direct, hands-on care, which can limit the ability to see the bigger picture or research options.

The process of hiring a geriatric care manager

If you have determined that it is the right time to seek professional help, the process of hiring a geriatric care manager can be straightforward. Here is a general roadmap:

1. Initial Consultation: The first step is a consultation, often a brief, introductory call, where you discuss your family's unique situation and needs. This helps both parties determine if a care manager can be of assistance.
2. Comprehensive Assessment: If you decide to move forward, the care manager will perform a thorough, in-person assessment of the senior's health, home environment, and personal needs.
3. Develop a Care Plan: Based on the assessment, the geriatric care manager will create a customized care plan detailing recommended services, resources, and next steps.
4. Ongoing Support: You and the care manager will agree on the level of ongoing involvement needed, which can range from periodic check-ins to full-time coordination.
5. Monitor and Adjust: As circumstances change, the care manager will periodically review and update the care plan to ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of the older adult.

Conclusion

Deciding when to hire a geriatric manager is a significant step toward improving the quality of life for an aging loved one and relieving the immense pressure on family caregivers. The right time often comes when medical needs become complex, a crisis strikes, or family caregiving leads to burnout. These professionals provide expertise, objectivity, and a structured approach to elder care that many families lack. By proactively bringing in a care manager, you can ensure your loved one receives the comprehensive, coordinated support they need, while allowing family members to focus on their relationship rather than the responsibilities of caregiving. For more information, the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA) is a valuable resource for finding qualified professionals in your area.

What is a Geriatric Care Manager (Aging Life Care Manager)?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a geriatric manager and a home health aide?

A geriatric care manager is a professional who assesses, plans, and coordinates all aspects of an elder's care. A home health aide is a direct caregiver who provides hands-on assistance with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. The care manager supervises the aide's work but does not provide the hands-on care themselves.

Is a geriatric care manager covered by Medicare or Medicaid?

No, geriatric care management services are typically not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or most private health insurance plans. These costs are generally paid out-of-pocket by the family, although some long-term care insurance policies may cover a portion.

How much does a geriatric care manager cost?

The cost varies depending on location, experience, and services required. Initial assessments can cost anywhere from $150 to $750, while ongoing services are typically charged at an hourly rate, which can range from $90 to $250.

What happens if my aging parent resists hiring a geriatric care manager?

Geriatric care managers are trained to work with seniors who may be resistant to care. They can approach the situation with sensitivity, helping to understand the source of the resistance and finding strategies to build trust and encourage acceptance of assistance.

Can a geriatric care manager help with financial planning?

While a geriatric care manager does not provide legal or financial advice, they are knowledgeable about available resources and benefits. They can work with financial planning professionals and help connect families to programs that can reduce care expenses.

How do you find a reputable geriatric care manager?

You can find a reputable geriatric care manager by getting referrals from healthcare providers, contacting the local Area Agency on Aging, or using the Aging Life Care Association's directory. It is important to check their credentials and references.

Does hiring a geriatric care manager mean I am giving up my role as a family member?

No, hiring a geriatric care manager does not mean you are abdicating your role. It allows you to step back from the strenuous logistics of caregiving and focus on the relationship with your loved one. The care manager becomes a supportive resource, freeing you to spend more quality time together.