Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Geriatric Care Manager

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a compassionate and highly organized Geriatric Care Manager (also known as an Aging Life Care Professional®) to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will act as a guide, advocate, and trusted resource for older adults and their families navigating the complexities of aging. You will be the central point of contact, creating and managing a holistic care plan that enhances your clients' quality of life, promotes their independence, and provides peace of mind for their loved ones. If you are passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of seniors, we encourage you to apply.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Registered Nurse (RN) with geriatric experience
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW / MSW)
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Case Manager (Hospital or Insurance)
Gerontologist

Advancement To:

Senior Geriatric Care Manager / Clinical Supervisor
Director of Care Management
Owner/Operator of a private Care Management practice
Healthcare Administrator

Lateral Moves:

Hospice Administrator or Coordinator
Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing Facility Director
Healthcare Consultant specializing in geriatrics
Patient Advocate

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive, in-home biopsychosocial assessments to evaluate a client's physical, cognitive, emotional, social, financial, and environmental needs.
Develop, implement, and continuously monitor personalized, client-centered care plans that address identified needs and goals.
Act as the primary liaison and advocate for clients and their families, facilitating clear communication with healthcare providers, specialists, legal professionals, and financial advisors.
Coordinate a diverse range of services, including scheduling medical appointments, arranging for in-home care, managing therapies, and organizing transportation.
Provide expert guidance and education to families regarding long-term care options, disease processes (such as dementia and Parkinson's), and effective caregiver coping strategies.
Perform crisis intervention and management for urgent medical, psychological, or social situations, providing immediate support and coordinating necessary resources.
Research, evaluate, and recommend appropriate living arrangements, including independent living, assisted living, memory care units, or skilled nursing facilities, and assist with transitions.
Navigate and interpret complex healthcare and insurance systems, including Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, and long-term care insurance policies, to maximize client benefits.
Accompany clients to significant medical appointments to act as an advocate, ensure understanding of medical information, and facilitate communication with physicians.
Facilitate family meetings to mediate discussions, build consensus on care plans, and address sensitive topics in a productive and supportive environment.
Maintain meticulous, confidential client records and progress notes in compliance with HIPAA and all professional standards.
Proactively monitor the quality and appropriateness of care provided by third-party agencies and facilities to ensure client safety, well-being, and satisfaction.
Connect clients and families with essential community resources, entitlement programs, support groups, and other social services.
Offer ongoing emotional support and counseling to both clients and their families as they navigate the challenges and transitions associated with aging.
Screen, arrange for, and monitor in-home help and other services to ensure reliability and quality of care.

Secondary Functions

Review financial, legal, or medical documents and offer referrals to qualified elder law attorneys, financial planners, and geriatric specialists.
Provide guidance on home safety modifications and adaptive equipment to promote client independence and reduce the risk of falls.
Assist in managing medication schedules and coordinating with physicians and pharmacies to ensure medication adherence and prevent adverse drug interactions.
Act as a trusted point of contact for long-distance families, providing regular updates and peace of mind regarding their loved one's care.
Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and professional development activities to stay current with best practices and trends in gerontology and elder care.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Geriatric Assessment: Proficiency in using standardized assessment tools (e.g., MMSE, MoCA, GDS) to evaluate cognitive, functional, and psychosocial status.
Care Plan Development: Expertise in creating comprehensive, actionable, and client-centered care plans.
Crisis Intervention: Ability to effectively de-escalate and manage acute medical, behavioral, or family crises.
Healthcare Systems Knowledge: Deep understanding of Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care insurance, and local healthcare networks.
Pharmacology Knowledge: Familiarity with common geriatric medications, potential side effects, and drug interactions.
EMR/EHR Proficiency: Competence in using electronic medical records and care management software for documentation.

Soft Skills

Empathy & Compassion: Genuine ability to connect with older adults and their families with sensitivity and understanding.
Complex Problem-Solving: Skillfully identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Advocacy & Negotiation: Strong ability to assertively represent a client's best interests with healthcare providers, facilities, and family members.
Exceptional Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for explaining complex information clearly and compassionately to diverse audiences.
Resilience & Patience: Ability to remain calm, patient, and professional while managing stressful situations and challenging family dynamics.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, and asking questions as appropriate.
Organizational & Time Management: Superior ability to manage a diverse caseload, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant human services field.

Preferred Education:

Master’s Degree in Social Work, Nursing, Gerontology, Counseling, or a related field.
Professional certification such as Care Manager Certified (CMC), Certified Case Manager (CCM), or similar credentials from a recognized body like the National Academy of Certified Care Managers (NACCM).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Nursing (BSN/MSN)
Social Work (BSW/MSW)
Gerontology
Psychology / Counseling
Public Health

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5+ years of professional, hands-on experience working directly with the geriatric population and their families.

Preferred:

Experience in settings such as home health, hospice, hospital case management/discharge planning, long-term care facilities, or a private care management practice.
Demonstrated experience managing a caseload of complex geriatric clients with multiple chronic conditions or dementia.