Signs it May be Time for a Geriatric Care Manager
- Patti Urban
- Sep 18
- 3 min read
by: Patti Urban, GCM, CDP, CSA
Caring for an aging loved one is a journey filled with love, responsibility, and sometimes overwhelming challenges. Families often do their best to manage on their own, but there may come a point when professional guidance is not just helpful—it’s necessary.
That’s where a Geriatric Care Manager (GCM), also known as an Aging Life Care Professional, can make a world of difference.
Here are some common signs it may be time to bring in a Geriatric Care Manager:
1. Increasing Health or Medical Complications
If your loved one has multiple medical conditions, frequent hospital visits, or needs help coordinating care between specialists, a GCM can streamline communication, advocate with healthcare providers, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
2. Safety Concerns at Home
Falls, wandering, or difficulty with basic tasks like cooking, bathing, or taking medications are red flags. A GCM can assess the home environment, recommend safety modifications, and put support systems in place to prevent accidents.
3. Family Conflict or Caregiver Stress
It’s common for families to disagree about what’s best for an aging parent or relative. A GCM acts as a neutral professional, easing tensions by offering objective guidance and helping families find common ground.
4. Long-Distance Caregiving
If you live far away from your loved one, it can be difficult to know what’s really happening day-to-day. A GCM can be your “eyes and ears,” checking in regularly, communicating updates, and stepping in quickly when crises arise.
5. Difficulty Navigating Resources
From in-home care and senior housing to financial and legal planning, the options can feel overwhelming. Geriatric Care Managers are experts in local resources and can connect families with trustworthy services that meet their loved one’s unique needs.
6. Emotional or Behavioral Changes
Sudden mood swings, confusion, depression, or social withdrawal may signal underlying medical or cognitive issues. A GCM can coordinate appropriate assessments, support services, and counseling to address both emotional and practical needs.
7. Declining Caregiver Health
If caring for your loved one is taking a toll on your own health—physically, mentally, or emotionally—it may be time to bring in professional support. Care managers help balance the needs of both the senior and the caregiver.
How a Geriatric Care Manager Helps
A GCM doesn’t replace the love and care you provide; instead, they act as a partner and advocate. They:
Conduct assessments and create personalized care plans.
Coordinate medical, legal, and financial resources.
Support family decision-making during difficult times.
Provide peace of mind knowing your loved one is cared for with dignity and respect.
Final Thoughts
If you recognize any of these signs in your caregiving journey, it may be the right time to reach out for professional help. A Geriatric Care Manager can lift some of the burden, reduce stress, and ensure your loved one receives the best possible care.
At Aging Care Planning Solutions, we’re here to guide families through the challenges of aging with compassion and expertise. If you’re wondering whether it’s time for a care manager, let’s have a conversation.
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Patti Urban,GCM,CDP,CSA, is the CEO of Aging Care Planning Solutions, a geriatric care management practice that assists the elderly and their families with advance care planning as well as guidance for patients with life-limiting illnesses. She is also a Certified Dementia Practitioner, Certified End of Life Doula, a Certified Senior Advisor, former Executive Director of a memory-care assisted living community, and former owner of a home care agency. She can be reached at www.agingcarePS.com
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