Careplan’s Geriatric Care Managers (GCMs) watch over clients and look for the best services to recommend. This presents a great opportunity for an elder associated business. They can build a relationship as well as work together with a GCM, providing valuable services for those in need.
Members must have a bachelor’s degree, and many have degrees in fields such as nursing, gerontology, social work or psychology. Also, according to ALCA, “All members in the ‘Certified Geriatric Care Manager’ category must hold at least one of four approved certifications: Care Manager Certified (CMC), Certified Case Manager (CCM), Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM), and Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM).” Because its 2000 members meet certain qualifications and have a proven record of excellence in the geriatric care profession, ALCA is able to bring recognition to the profession, assist members in better serving clients, and provide a service for consumers to help them find a qualified GCM in their area.
About Geriatric Care Managers
NAPGCM defines a geriatric care manager as “a health and human services specialist who act as a guide and advocate for families who are caring for older relatives or disabled adults.” GCMs oversee every aspect of care for families or elderly clients. GCMs then assess clients’ needs, make a care plan, coordinate care, as well as oversee the care that is given. The medical needs of the client are only a small aspect of the care that GCMs oversee. According to NAPGCM, here are the many things that GCMs can manage for clients:
- Housing – GCMs help families make sure clients’ housing is appropriate, safe and clean. GCMs will conduct inspections of current or prospective housing. Careplan Geriatric Care Managers does not accept any kick back for referring clients so you can be rest assured that you are always getting an unbiased recommendation.
- Home care services – GCMs help families and clients select a home care provider and make sure that clients are receiving the services they need.
- Medical management – GCMs oversee all of a client’s medical needs. They attend the doctor’s appointment and ensure that a client is following the doctor’s orders.
- Communication – GCMs make sure that everyone involved in the client’s care is communicating, keeping family members in the loop.
- Social activities – GCMs can help client’s find enriching social activities to participate in.
- Legal – When needed, GCMs work with legal counsel, such as an elder law attorney. They make sure all legal decisions are made in the client’s best interest.
- Financial – GCMs might oversee a client’s finances, possibly even assisting with bill paying through a partnership with an accountant or the client’s Power of Attorney.
- Entitlements – GCMs can help clients and families know which Federal and state entitlement programs they qualify for and help them to apply for assistance.
Safety and Security
GCMs monitor clients’ safety and security at home and in their everyday lives. They may recommend technology that could be of assistance or monitor those who come in contact with a client. This assures the client is being treated fairly and kindly as well as not being abused.
GCMs take on a vast array of responsibilities on behalf of their clients. Their clients’ health and well-being are a priority. It is vital that GCMs be certified, knowledgeable, and trustworthy. In addition, it is vital that they build business relationships with others in the geriatric care industry. They share their commitment to providing quality and trustworthy services. As GCMs watch over clients and look for the best services to recommend, this presents a great opportunity for a home care business to build a relationship and work together with a GCM to provide valuable services for those in need.