HERE ARE THINGS to consider when enlisting the services of a geriatric care manager:

ASK ABOUT LICENSES, experience and training in gerontology and human services.  Ask for references, and call them.

DISCUSS CARE PHILOSOPHY:  For example, is the care manager's first interest always the elderly person?  How does the care manager feel about home versus assisted living?  Under what circumstances would he or she resign from the case?

ASK THE CARE MANAGER to specifically define the range of his or her services.  Take notes.

DISCUSS FEES.  Get a clear idea of what rate is charged and under what circumstances.  Do phone calls count?  Find out what a basic assessment and plan of care cost.

IS THE CARE MANAGER available in emergencies 24 hours a day?  Are there other managers in the office who can handle emergencies?  Are there backup systems?

BE FAMILIAR WITH the National Association of Geriatric Care Managers' standards for care managers.  See www.caremanager.org for the standards and for other information on care managers.

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Article By: Linda Greider
Published in: AARP, December 2001, Vol. 42 No. 11, Washington D.C. p 9-13.