The actual title of this relatively new field is Professional Geriatric Care Manager. I purposefully left out “geriatric” from my title because some of my agency’s clients are also disabled adults. In a nut shell, a Professional Care Manager (PCM) is usually from a social work, nursing or gerontology background, who specializes in assisting seniors and their families with assessing needs, developing a plan of care, and arranging for appropriate community services to meet both needs and budget. PCMs continually monitor the care plan, adjust services as needed, and oversee the client’s care, whether they are at home, in an assisted living facility or a nursing home. PCMs can be the local point of contact in case of an emergency for distant family members providing a peace of mind.
Be aware that not all PCMs are created equal. What sets apart a true PCM from the “self-proclaimed” ones are expert credentials, high level of education, extensive experience in a healthcare related field, active memberships in professional associations and a national certification in the field of care management. So please be diligent when interviewing and hiring a PCM.
Because Care Management is a relatively new field in health care, it is not as regulated as other professions such as nursing. Being a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers and being Certified in Care Management is a means of regulation and in governing our industry. Each member has to uphold strict standards of practice and a code of ethics.
My care management agency, Advanced Senior Solutions, will be entering its 9th year of being in business this fall. I’ve been in social services/case management for over 17 years and hold a degree in psychology and a masters degree in public health. I am a Certified Care Manager and a Certified Dementia Practitioner. My team of Social Workers and Nurses have many years of experience in their profession, have a high level of integrity and an excellent work ethic.
Our agency has worked hard in developing specialized programs to meet the needs of most and if for some reason we can’t assist, we certainly know the right resources who can, and we will refer out to others as needed.
Our agency has worked hard in developing specialized programs to meet the needs of most and if for some reason we can’t assist, we certainly know the right resources who can, and we will refer out to others as needed.
PCMs usually get involved when the family is at wits end and don’t know where else to turn. I always tell my team that if it were easy, then they wouldn’t need us.
The most commonly asked question is, “can you give me some guidance and direction on where to get help for my aging loved one?” I would just say, “Ask a Care Manager”.
