A geriatric care manager, also known as an elder care manager or senior health care manager, is a health and human services specialist who helps families who are caring for older relatives. A professional geriatric care manager is trained and experienced in any of several fields related to senior care, including nursing, gerontology, social work, psychology, or case management with a specialized focus on issues related to elder care.
Geriatric care managers plan and coordinate care for the elderly to meet their long term needs, improve their quality of life, and maintain their independence as long as possible. Several ways that geriatric care managers help can include: conducting care planning assessments to identify needs; screening, arranging, and monitoring in-home help; reviewing financial, legal, or medical issues; providing crisis intervention; acting as a liaison to families at a distance; alerting families of any problems; assisting moving clients to or from retirement communities or assisted living facilities; and offering counseling and support.