Geriatric Care Managers (Aging Life Professionals) Can Help Arguing Families and Busy Caregivers
Geriatric care management is a rapidly growing field in the elder care industry. As most caregivers know, researching and coordinating all the care options and resources available for aging loved ones is a never-ending process. Many would rather use their precious time visiting with family members or seeing to their own health instead of filling out paperwork, juggling appointments, and searching for sources of financial assistance. This is where geriatric care managers (GCMs) come in.
What Is a Geriatric Care Manager (Aging Life Professional)?
Geriatric care managers (also known as Aging Life Care Professionals or ALCPs) are usually registered nurses or licensed social workers who assess seniors’ individual needs, form comprehensive care plans, and then help execute them. According to the Aging Life Care Association, a membership organization and certifying body for GCMs formerly known as the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, services can include physical and mental health counseling, crisis intervention, elder care management, and coordination, resolution of internal family conflicts regarding long-term care planning, and assistance with benefits enrollment and other financial resources.
GCMs are responsible for creating individualized care plans for each client while keeping their lifestyle, physician orders, and personal goals in mind. These professionals then work with a senior’s entire care team, which can include family members, professional caregivers, therapists, nutritionists, social workers, doctors, elder care attorneys, financial planners, and others, to implement their care plan.
Geriatric Care Management Services: When interviewing GCM candidates, ask for a complete list of the services they provide. Offerings may include…
