What To Look For in a Geriatric Care Manager

This brief article will help you find out what to look for in a geriatric care manager. First, care managers should have a range of experience, education and backgrounds and should have an advanced degree and several years of experience in care management. Geriatric care managers should be licensed in their state in fields such as nursing or social work. The care manager should be a certified, not associate, member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers -- the membership should be in good standing and have one of the following certifications: CMC, CCM, C-ASWCM or C-SWCM.

Request references and set up an interview. Some good questions to ask are:

What are your qualifications?

What experience have you had working with older adults and families?

How long have you been in business are you working full or part-time?

What licenses do you hold that allow you to practice as an independent care manager?

What are your hours and availability should a crisis occur?

What services do you provide directly and which services are arranged through outside providers?