Family Transition LinkWhat Is a Geriatric Care Manager (and Is It Worth It)?
How Aging Life Care Professionals help families coordinate doctors, home care, and housing decisions.
What they do
- In-home assessment of health, safety, memory and finances
- A written care plan with clear next steps
- Find and supervise home care, adult day or residential options
- Attend doctor visits and hospital discharge meetings
- Mediate family disagreements
- Serve as local eyes for long-distance families
When it is worth it
- After a hospital stay or a new diagnosis
- When family lives far away
- When siblings disagree on next steps
- When a loved one refuses help from family
How to choose one
- Look for membership in the Aging Life Care Association.
- Ask about credentials (RN, LSW, LISW, certified care manager).
- Ask how they bill and what a first assessment costs.
- Ask for an example care plan.
Lower-cost options
If budget is tight, Ohio's Area Agencies on Aging provide free assessments and case management through programs like PASSPORT.
Browse care managers in our directory or read our Care Coordination guide.
Frequently asked questions
- Does Medicare pay for a geriatric care manager?
- No. Private geriatric care management is usually paid out of pocket, though some long-term care insurance policies reimburse it.
- What is the difference between a care manager and a case manager?
- Hospital and insurance case managers work for those organizations. A private geriatric care manager works for your family.
- Can a care manager help with dementia?
- Yes. Many specialize in dementia care, behaviors, safety planning, and memory care placement.
Sources
More in Care Coordination
Part of our Care Coordination guide · See all FAQs
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