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Questions Frequently Asked by Family Caregivers
What is a Geriatric Care Manager (GCM)?
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A geriatric care manager (GCM) is a professional who specializes in assisting older people and their families make short and/or long term care arrangements. Geriatric care managers generally have at least a Bachelor's degree and substantial training in gerontology, social work, nursing, counseling or human services.
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What can GCMs do to help families caring for a person with dementia?
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- Visit the home, or place of residence, to conduct an assessment to identify needs, resources and a plan of care;
- Screen, arrange, and monitor in-home help or other necessary services;
- Offer referrals to financial, legal, and geriatric medical specialists;
- Provide consumer education and advocacy;
- Provide crisis intervention;
- Act as liaison to local and long distance caregivers to make sure things are going well and to alert families of patient status;
- Assist with moving an older person to or from a retirement complex, care home, nursing home or their own home;
- Offer counseling and support. Some GCM's also provide family and individual therapy, money management, and conservatorship or guardianship assistance;
- Mediate family meetings to help resolve family conflicts over care decisions
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How much do GCMs charge for these services?
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Fees for services vary widely. According to the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the GCM Association the hourly rate can vary from $50 to $150. GCMs generally charge different rates for the initial assessment versus follow up visits or phone contacts.
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What questions should I ask when interviewing or hiring a GCM?
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- What are your fees? Are there different rates for the initial assessment versus on-going management? Do you charge by the hour? Do you offer sliding scale fees based on income?
- What are your credentials and how much experience do you have working with people diagnosed with dementia? Are you licensed and bonded?
- Do you have room in your current work schedule to manage my needs effectively?
- Are your services available on weekends, holidays, evenings, and in time of crisis? Do you carry a beeper for emergencies?
- Do you provide short term or ongoing assistance for the long distance caregiver?
- Are you part of a team or do you work independently? If you work independently, do you have a back up to cover your clients in the event of illness or planned absence?
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How do I find a Geriatric Care Manager?
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- Call the Alzheimer's Association Helpline: 703-359-4440 or toll-free 1-800-272-3900.
- The Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Association of Geriatric Care Managers has listing of members on www.gcmonline.org/gcmdir.html
- Call the National Association of Geriatric Care Manager at 520-881-8008.
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References
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1998 GCM Membership Directory: "About the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers." Copyright, National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, 1604 N. Country Club Road, Tucson, AZ 85716-3102
Boo, Mary. 1999. "What is a Geriatric Care Manager?" The Guide to Retirement Living. Summer/Fall Issue. Pages 33-36.
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In the National Capital Area chapter service territory, for more information about
Geriatric Care Managers, please contact the Chapter's telephone Helpline at 703-359-4440 or toll-free 1-800-272-3900. Outside the National Capital Area, please contact your local Chapter.
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© 1997 - 2005 Alzheimer's Association, National Capital Area. All rights reserved.
703-359-4440 or toll-free 1-800-272-3900
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