How to Engage with a Geriatric Care Manager (And Why It Can Be a Lifesaver)
Caring for an aging loved one can be overwhelming — whether it's managing medical appointments, sorting through housing options, or navigating tricky family dynamics. That’s where a Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) can step in to make life easier for everyone involved.
If you’ve never worked with a geriatric care manager before, you’re not alone. Many families don’t know this resource exists — or how life-changing their support can be. Let’s break down what they do, who they help, how they get paid, and how to get started.
What is a Geriatric Care Manager?
A geriatric care manager (sometimes called an Aging Life Care Professional) is like a personal guide for aging well. They are typically nurses, social workers, counselors, or other aging specialists who help families navigate the medical, emotional, logistical, and often overwhelming aspects of caring for an older adult.
Think of them as a professional advocate and problem solver for older adults and their families.
What Do They Do?
Geriatric care managers offer a wide range of services, tailored to the needs of the individual and family. This often includes:
✅ Assessing the Situation: Evaluating an older adult’s physical, mental, and emotional health, living situation, and care needs.
✅ Creating a Care Plan: Developing a personalized plan to ensure safety, independence, and quality of life.
✅ Coordinating Care: Helping manage medical appointments, in-home care, and transitions between care settings like hospitals or rehab. ✅ Family Communication: Facilitating tough family conversations and helping everyone stay on the same page.
✅ Crisis Intervention: Assisting during emergencies or sudden health changes.
✅ Advocacy: Ensuring your loved one’s wishes are honored and their needs are met, even in complex healthcare systems.
Who Do They Help?
Geriatric care managers are ideal for:
- Older adults who want to maintain independence but need support.
- Adult children balancing busy careers, families, and caregiving responsibilities (we see you, Sandwich Generation!).
- Families facing tough decisions like moving a loved one to assisted living or memory care.
- Long-distance caregivers who need eyes and ears on the ground.
- Anyone overwhelmed by the maze of healthcare, senior housing, or elder law issues.
How Do They Get Involved?
Engaging a geriatric care manager usually starts with an initial assessment. The GCM will meet with you and your loved one to understand the situation and recommend next steps. From there, you can choose ongoing support or simply use them for guidance during a specific challenge.
Many families engage a GCM during:
- Hospital discharges or medical transitions
- Early signs of cognitive decline
- Family disagreements about care decisions
- Planning for aging in place or downsizing
How Do They Get Paid?
Geriatric care managers typically work on a private pay basis. That means their services are not usually covered by Medicare or most insurance plans. They may charge:
- An hourly rate (commonly $100–$250 per hour, depending on location and expertise)
- A flat fee for specific services, like an initial assessment
- Retainer packages for ongoing support
While it’s an out-of-pocket expense, many families find the peace of mind, expert guidance, and time saved to be well worth the investment.
Our Trusted Network Can Help
At Pursuit Wealth Planning, we know how overwhelming this chapter of life can feel. Over the years, we’ve built relationships with vetted, compassionate geriatric care managers in our community. If you’re considering this type of support for yourself or a loved one, we’d be happy to share our list of trusted professionals or help facilitate an introduction.
You don’t have to navigate this alone — and neither does your family.
Dream. Plan. Achieve.
Together, we can make aging with confidence part of the plan.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as legal or healthcare advice. Please consult with the appropriate professionals for your specific situation.
