How to Be Geriatric Case Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The aging population has increased the demand for geriatric case managers. As the number of elderly individuals grows, geriatric case managers are needed to provide guidance and support for seniors struggling with medical conditions, social issues, and other challenges. These healthcare professionals assess the needs of the elderly, create personalized care plans, and coordinate services to help seniors remain as independent as possible.

By providing appropriate care and services, geriatric case managers help seniors maintain their quality of life and reduce the number of hospitalizations and emergency department visits. geriatric case managers can help reduce health care costs by providing cost-effective solutions to medical and social problems.

Steps How to Become

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to become a geriatric case manager is to earn a bachelor's degree in social work, nursing, psychology, or public health. This will provide the foundation of knowledge and skills required to become an effective geriatric case manager.
2. Complete a Geriatric Case Management Program. Most colleges and universities offer geriatric case management programs that provide additional coursework and training in geriatrics, such as aging and long-term care, end-of-life care, and strategies for effective communication with the elderly.
3. Obtain Certification. Most states require geriatric case managers to be certified by a professional organization such as the American Geriatrics Society. Certification is typically based on experience and educational background, so it is important to make sure you meet the requirements.
4. Gain Experience. Once you have obtained your certification, it is important to gain experience working with the elderly. You can do this by volunteering at a nursing home or assisted living facility, or by taking an internship with a local community organization that specializes in providing geriatric services.
5. Obtain Licensure. Depending on the state you live in, you may need to obtain a license in order to practice as a geriatric case manager. Licensure usually requires you to pass an exam and meet other qualifications.
6. Consider Further Education. Many geriatric case managers choose to pursue a master's degree in gerontology or related field in order to increase their knowledge and skills. This can help you to better understand the needs of the elderly population and be better prepared to serve them.

Staying up to date and efficient as a Geriatric Case Manager is essential in order to provide the best possible care for elderly patients. To do this, it is important to stay informed about the latest developments in geriatric care and to have access to the most current resources. Keeping abreast of changes in healthcare policies and regulations, attending continuing education courses and training programs, and joining professional organizations are all excellent ways to stay informed and knowledgeable.

Having a good understanding of the elderly patient population, including their physical, mental and emotional needs, is also essential in order to develop effective care plans tailored to their individual needs. staying organized, managing time efficiently, and utilizing technology can help streamline communication, documentation and other processes, allowing more time to focus on patient care. staying informed, organized and efficient will help ensure that elderly patients receive the best possible care.

You may want to check Geriatric Home Care Coordinator, Geriatric Care Aide, and Geriatric Health Educator for alternative.

Job Description

1. Develop and implement plans of care for geriatric clients, including assessment of physical, emotional, psychological, and social needs.
2. Monitor progress of clients and provide regular updates to families, physicians, and other care providers.
3. Provide education and counseling to clients, families, and caregivers regarding health care needs and available resources.
4. Create and maintain records of client care and services provided.
5. Develop and implement strategies to resolve care-related issues.
6. Assist with referrals to appropriate community services and resources.
7. Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care for clients.
8. Plan for discharge needs, including arrangements for follow-up care and home health services.
9. Advocate for clients to ensure their physical and emotional needs are met.
10. Provide crisis intervention when needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of the aging process and its physical, psychological and social implications.
2. Knowledge of the health care system and available resources for the elderly.
3. Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a geriatric case manager.
4. Ability to assess patient needs and develop comprehensive care plans.
5. Ability to develop and implement strategies to facilitate patient care objectives.
6. Ability to communicate effectively with clients, family members, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders.
7. Ability to coordinate with other professional staff in order to ensure timely, efficient, and cost-effective care.
8. Strong problem-solving skills.
9. Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and standards of practice related to geriatric care.
10. Proficiency in computer systems, applications and technology related to case management.

Geriatric Case Managers play a critical role in the well-being of aging individuals and their families. Empathy and strong communication skills are essential for effective case management. Geriatric Case Managers must be able to listen carefully to the needs and concerns of their clients, and be able to empathize with their unique situation.

They must also have the ability to explain complex medical and social services in an understandable way. In addition, Geriatric Case Managers should possess excellent problem-solving skills, be organized, and have the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. They must also be familiar with available resources in the community and have a strong understanding of Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and other government programs.

With these skills, Geriatric Case Managers can help aging individuals and their families navigate their healthcare and financial needs, while optimizing their quality of life.

Geriatric Mental Health Counselor, Geriatric Medicine Physician Assistant, and Geriatric Physician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

• How would you assess the needs of a senior client?
• What strategies do you use when communicating with elderly clients?
• How do you handle difficult conversations with elderly clients?
• How would you diagnose the social and psychological needs of a senior client?
• What strategies do you use when providing services to elderly clients?
• What steps do you take to ensure a successful transition for an elderly client into a new care setting?
• How do you collaborate with other healthcare professionals when working with elderly clients?
• How do you manage a caseload of elderly clients in a timely and efficient manner?
• Describe a time when you had to respond to an unexpected change in the care plan for an elderly client.
• How do you ensure that elderly clients are receiving the most appropriate care for their individual needs?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Electronic Medical Records (EMR). A digital record of a patient's medical history, including diagnoses, medications, treatments, and other health information. (e. g. Epic, Cerner)
2. Disease Management Software. Software that facilitates the management of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, for elderly patients. (e. g. Health Insight, Care360)
3. Care Coordination Software. Software that helps coordinate care and information sharing between different healthcare providers working with an elderly patient. (e. g. CareSync, Care Team Connect)
4. Telehealth Solutions. Technology that enables elderly patients to receive medical advice remotely, through video conferencing and mobile applications. (e. g. Doxy. me, MDLive)
5. Home Monitoring Systems. Technology that allows elderly patients to monitor their health from their home, including vital signs and medication reminders. (e. g. Healthsense, GrandCare Systems)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Society on Aging (ASA)
2. National Association of Geriatric Case Managers (NAGCM)
3. National Council on Aging (NCOA)
4. Administration for Community Living (ACL)
5. American Geriatrics Society (AGS)
6. National Academy of Certified Care Managers (NACCM)
7. The Gerontological Society of America (GSA)
8. International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG)
9. American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA)
10. National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC)

Common Important Terms

1. Gerontology. The scientific study of aging, including its physical, psychological, social, and medical aspects.
2. Home Care. A type of health care service provided in the home of a client or patient. Home care can include medical or nonmedical services.
3. Palliative Care. A specialized type of medical care focused on relieving the symptoms and stress of a serious illness.
4. Care Plan. A plan of care developed by a health care provider to meet the individual needs of a patient.
5. Advance Directives. Legal documents that allow individuals to make decisions about their health care in the event that they become incapacitated.
6. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare Decisions. A legal document allowing an individual to designate someone to manage their healthcare decisions in the event that they become incapacitated.
7. Medicare/Medicaid. A federal program providing health insurance for people over 65, as well as other individuals who meet certain requirements.
8. Long-Term Care Insurance. Insurance that covers costs associated with long-term care services such as home health care, assisted living, and nursing home care.
9. Social Services. Services provided by social workers and other professionals to assist individuals, families and communities in meeting their social needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Geriatric Case Manager?

A Geriatric Case Manager is a healthcare professional who works with elderly patients to coordinate and manage their care. This may include connecting them with important services and resources, providing counseling and guidance, and helping them to maintain their independence.

What qualifications do Geriatric Case Managers need?

Geriatric Case Managers should have at least a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field. They also need to be knowledgeable about geriatric care, have strong communication and organizational skills, and be able to collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

What are some of the services provided by Geriatric Case Managers?

Geriatric Case Managers can provide a wide range of services depending on the needs of the patient. This may include connecting the patient with medical specialists, providing emotional support, helping to coordinate care between providers, advocating for their rights, and assisting with financial and legal matters.

How often do Geriatric Case Managers meet with their patients?

The frequency of meetings between a Geriatric Case Manager and their patient depends on the individual situation. Generally, they will meet regularly to assess the patient's needs and progress, but may also meet more or less frequently depending on the situation.

What is the role of family members in working with a Geriatric Case Manager?

Family members can play an important role in working with a Geriatric Case Manager to ensure the best care for their elderly loved one. They can help to provide important information about the patient's condition, provide support and assistance during meetings, and help to ensure that their relative is getting the care they need.

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Web Resources

• Working with a geriatric-care manager - Harvard Health www.health.harvard.edu
• What’s a Geriatric Care Manager Anyway? | Squared Away Blog squaredawayblog.bc.edu
• Certificate in Geriatric Care Management | University of La Verne business.laverne.edu