Care Coordination & Management

Having help coordinating your care can be an enormous relief when you face recovery from illness, chronic health issues, or are finding living at home more difficult than it used to be. A Geriatric Care Manager holds a specialty in gerontology, social work, or nursing and is an expert source to turn to for consultation, assessing your needs, and help selecting available resources. Using a care manager’s expertise and knowledge of services can save a family countless hours of research and calling.

Geriatric Care Manager Services

Geriatric care manager provide a variety of valuable, professional services, including:

• Full assessment of a client’s needs and wants
• Individualized plans to meet those needs
• Coordination of medical care and accompaniment to medical appointments
• Evaluation of the home to ensure it is well-maintained and safe
• Arrangement of services such as home care, housekeeping, transportation, and meals
• Management of complicated medication regimes
• Crisis support and counseling
• Long-term care planning
• Assist in selecting a residential facility, and help with the move and adjustment
• Family consultation, education, and referral
• A caring professional serving as eyes and ears for long-distance loved ones

How Are Geriatric Care Managers Paid?

Care coordination and management are paid for privately or through long-term care insurance. Free care management services are available through Medi-Cal, depending on eligibility.

Privately Paid Professional Care Management
The client pays the Geriatric Care Manager based on an hourly fee. Many long-term care insurance policies also cover care management services.

Medi-Cal Provided Care Management
Through California Area Agencies on Aging, each County offers a Multipurpose Senior Service Program (MSSP), a care management program offered free of charge to individuals 65 years of age or older with Medi-Cal coverage. In San Francisco County, IOA provides the MSSP program. Learn More

How do I find a Geriatric Care Manager?

Many local resources provide referrals for qualified Care Management services. Doctor's often have referral information for services that cater to individuals in their locations. Other sources for referrals include:

• the California Area Agency on Aging. Call 1-800-510-2020 for the AAA in your area or visit CAAA's website for a list of phone numbers by county.
• local hospitals and health maintenance organizations
• senior or family service organizations
• senior centers
• religious affiliations including churches and synagogues
• Yellow Page listings for Senior Citizens' Services, Care Management, Home Care, Home Health Services and similar subject areas
• Medicaid offices
• private care management companies