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Q&A > Care Planning

Ask Vanessa: What is a Geriatric Care Manager (and Do You Need One)?

January 15, 20267 min read

"I live in Chicago, but my parents are in Florida. I feel like I'm managing a crisis center from my kitchen table. Is there a better way?"

QUESTION FROM A READER

This week's question comes from Lucy, a marketing executive in Chicago who is trying to manage her parents' declining health from a thousand miles away. Lucy writes: "I feel like I'm failing. My dad keeps forgetting his cardiology appointments, and my mom isn't telling me the truth about how often she falls. I spend half my workday on hold with doctors who won't call me back because I'm not 'on the list.' I can't quit my job to move to Florida, but I can't sleep knowing they are struggling. Is there a professional who handles this stuff?" Lucy, take a deep breath. You are describing the exact scenario that created the profession of Geriatric Care Management. You don't need to quit your job; you need a "project manager" on the ground.

Vanessa's Response

Think of a Geriatric Care Manager (GCM), often called an Aging Life Care Professional, as a 'professional relative.' They are typically licensed nurses (RNs) or social workers (LCSWs) who specialize in aging. Unlike a doctor who sees your parent for 15 minutes, a GCM looks at the whole picture: medical issues, housing safety, legal needs, and family dynamics. They act as your eyes, ears, and advocate when you cannot be there.

Vanessa's Advice

The CEO vs. The Chairman

"I often tell adult children: You need to be the Chairman of the Board, not the CEO. The CEO handles the daily grind—hiring, firing, operations. The Chairman sets the vision and approves the big decisions. By hiring a Care Manager to be your CEO, you regain the mental space to simply love your parents again."
Vanessa Valerio

Vanessa Valerio

Chief Nursing Officer

Practical Tips for Families

  • 1Check Credentials: Look for membership in the **Aging Life Care Association (ALCA)**. This ensures they adhere to strict standards of practice and ethics.
  • 2Start with an Assessment: You don't have to commit forever. Hire a GCM for a one-time 'comprehensive assessment.' They will visit your parents and give you a roadmap of exactly what is needed.
  • 3Define the Communication Loop: Establish upfront how you want to be updated. Do you want a text after every visit? A weekly email summary? A Zoom call with your siblings? Good GCMs adapt to your style.
  • 4Authorize Access: Ensure your parents sign HIPAA releases so the GCM can legally speak to their doctors. This is the golden key to effective advocacy.
Vanessa Valerio

About Vanessa Valerio

RN, BSN, Chief Nursing Officer at Care Indeed

With over two decades of experience in geriatric nursing and care management, Vanessa is a passionate advocate for dignified aging. She specializes in dementia care, family conflict mediation, and complex case management, helping families navigate the emotional and logistical challenges of caregiving.

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