How Geriatric Care Managers Can Help Family Caregivers

In the US, family-provided care is the most common type of care older adults receive, especially those who need help with their activities of daily living.¹ This puts a tremendous strain on family caregivers, who are often also working and caring for their own children in addition to providing eldercare.²

Geriatric care managers are trained professionals who assist family caregivers in securing and coordinating care and benefits for older patients in order to reduce the burden on their family members. Family caregivers are often overwhelmed, and geriatric care services provide support.²

This article answers the question, "What is a geriatric care manager?" and explores the senior care management process and its benefits for families.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Geriatric Care Manager

A geriatric care manager provides a wide range of services based on the patient's and family’s needs. Also known as an aged care manager, this specialist begins by assessing the older adult’s care needs and working with the family to create a personalized care plan. This usually includes coordinating medical, social and home care services. The geriatric care manager usually has a background in nursing or social work advocacy and a specialization in geriatrics, and is familiar with navigating the healthcare system and the workings of various programs.³

For families trying to manage a parent’s care from a long distance, geriatric care managers can serve as local contact points and coordinators. They may also make home visits to monitor the patient’s health and well-being.³

Benefits for Family Caregivers

Caring for a loved one who needs a lot of help can consume much of a family’s time and resources. Further, because family members aren’t medical or health-related experts, they may not realize the types of services and support that are available. For example, a familial caregiver may be taking time off of work on a regular basis to take a parent to multiple doctor appointments. A geriatric care manager can arrange for transportation to and from appointments for a patient who doesn’t drive.⁴

By taking charge of coordinating care, senior care managers can reduce the stress and emotional burden that people endure as their loved ones become less capable and more dependent. They can also improve patient care by streamlining communication between healthcare providers. Eldercare is expensive, and geriatric care managers can offer guidance regarding financial and legal resources for the family.⁴

How Geriatric Care Managers Coordinate Services

After performing an initial assessment, the geriatric care manager maps out a personalized care plan, which can include the following:

• Making appointments
• Overseeing medication management
• Navigating community resources and referrals

Older patients often have multiple healthcare providers, so having one point of contact helps ensure continuity of care. This can prevent problems that may arise when healthcare providers aren’t aware of treatment that other providers have ordered for a patient whom they both, or all, see.⁵

A geriatric care manager makes sure the patient is receiving appropriate and timely care, which can reduce hospitalizations and the need for emergency services. Geriatric care managers can present available services to families who may be unaware of their options, such as hospice or respite care, and coordinate the services when necessary.⁵

Communication and Advocacy

The healthcare system can be intimidating to people who aren’t familiar with how it works. Certain medications, treatments and services require prior authorization or additional documentation. Geriatric care managers are advocates who act as liaisons between seniors, families and healthcare professionals. They promote the seniors’ preferences and best interests so their voices are heard in planning for their care.⁶

A geriatric care manager encourages the family’s involvement and feedback and makes adjustments to the care plan when necessary. If the patient experiences an emergency, like a fall, the care manager can coordinate rehabilitation and therapy services as well as help modify the patient’s living environment to make it safer. When the time comes to make decisions about long-term and end-of-life care, the senior care manager facilitates these conversations and handles the administrative details.⁶

Financial and Legal Guidance

Families often need to consider the financial and legal ramifications of elder care. Establishing a trust can protect families from the financial strain of elder care, reducing the risk of debt and bankruptcy. Depending on the medical issues at hand, spouses and families may want to add insurance or switch to another plan. Geriatric care managers provide advice about insurance, benefits under Medicare and funding options for in-home care or assisted living.⁷

In addition, they can recommend attorneys and work with them to set up legal documents such as powers of attorney, advanced directives and wills. If the patient needs long-term care, they can suggest strategies for planning in advance to help minimize costs.⁷

Steps to Working with a Geriatric Care Manager

The first step in working with a geriatric care manager is the initial assessment. This takes place in the patient’s home or wherever they’re receiving care. The assessment allows the care manager to obtain a complete medical history, document medications, review medical records and assess the patient’s current health and level of social interaction.⁸

Once the initial assessment is complete, the care manager creates a care plan and sets goals for the patient’s care. The plan contains recommendations for optimizing patient care and providing resources for the family. The care manager starts to implement the plan and sets the patient up with support services.⁸

Geriatric care managers conduct regular progress check-ins and make adjustments to their patients’ care plans as needed. This may include adding or concluding services as circumstances change. Over time, they collaborate closely with the family and provide regular updates on the patient’s condition.⁸

Help Families Overcome Challenges in Caring for Elderly Loved Ones

The online Master of Social Work (MSW) program from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University equips you with the skills you need to make a profound difference in the lives of seniors and their families. The robust curriculum is taught by experts in the field and will prepare you to meet the needs of an aging population. As part of your online MSW program, you can earn a gerontology and palliative care certification from home with the convenience of online classes.

To learn more, schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor today.