Geriatric Care Managers

What is geriatric care management?

Geriatric care management coordinates a senior's health, psychological, and daily living needs into a single, cohesive plan. After a comprehensive assessment, a geriatric care manager creates a personalized care plan and serves as an ongoing guide and advocate — for both the senior and their family.

What does a geriatric care manager do?

Geriatric care managers are trained in fields like nursing, social work, gerontology, or psychology, with a specialized focus on aging. Their work spans four core functions:

• Assessment and monitoring — Evaluating current needs and tracking changes over time.
• Planning and problem-solving — Coordinating services and resolving gaps in care.
• Education and advocacy — Helping families understand options and navigate systems.
• Caregiver coaching — Supporting family members who are directly involved in care.

They can assist with a wide range of specific needs, including:

• Housing — Identifying the right living situation, from in-home support to residential communities.
• Home care — Selecting, arranging, and monitoring in-home services.
• Medical management — Attending appointments, facilitating communication between doctors and family, and tracking adherence to care plans.
• Communication — Keeping family members and providers informed as needs change.
• Social enrichment — Connecting seniors with recreational, cultural, and social opportunities.
• Legal matters — Consulting with elder law attorneys and providing expert care-level opinions.
• Financial oversight — Coordinating with accountants or a Power of Attorney on bill paying and financial management.
• Benefits and entitlements — Identifying federal and state programs the senior may qualify for.
• Safety — Monitoring home safety, recommending assistive technologies, and watching for signs of exploitation or abuse.

When should you consider a geriatric care manager?

A geriatric care manager is most valuable when caregiving becomes complex or overwhelming. Consider reaching out if:

• Your loved one has limited family support nearby
• Your family is new to caregiving and unsure where to start
• The senior has multiple medical or psychological conditions
• Current living arrangements are no longer safe
• Family members disagree about care decisions
• Caregivers are burned out or stretched thin
• The senior needs advocacy with current care providers
• Dementia or cognitive decline is affecting daily life

What are the benefits?

• Personalized care — Plans are built around the individual's specific needs and preferences.
• Coordinated communication — One point of contact keeps family, doctors, and service providers aligned.
• Cost efficiency — Avoids unnecessary hospitalizations, duplicate services, and inappropriate placements.
• Professional standards — Managers follow the code of ethics and practice standards set by the Aging Life Care Association.

Most geriatric care managers are reachable around the clock, and seniors typically know the broader care team so they always have someone to call.

How to find a geriatric care manager in Michigan

Start with the Aging Life Care Association (formerly NAPGCM), which maintains a searchable directory of credentialed professionals. You can also ask your doctor, a hospital social worker, or an elder law attorney for referrals.

When evaluating a candidate, confirm they hold membership in a relevant professional organization (such as NASW for social workers) and are certified by an appropriate credentialing board.

How is geriatric care management paid for?

Geriatric care management is not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or most private health insurance. Some long-term care insurance policies may cover a portion of services — check your policy details. In most cases, fees are paid out of pocket by the senior or their family. Billing structures vary: some managers charge an initial assessment fee plus hourly rates; others bill hourly only. Some require a retainer.