A geriatric care manager oversees daily operations in facilities that care for the elderly, managing personnel, programs, and communication with clients and families. They coordinate with external sources to establish treatment programs and resolve conflicts, while maintaining empathy and professionalism. A bachelor’s degree in gerontology, social work, or a related field is required, with experience in patient services, healthcare administration, or geriatrics.
A geriatric care manager ensures the smooth running of a facility that specializes in caring for the elderly on a daily basis. She is generally responsible for managing personnel, developing and implementing programs, and communicating with clients and families. Her work can be in a large or small hospital, in day care facilities or in nursing homes.
Success in this position requires active and thoughtful involvement in all day-to-day activities at the facility. Interacting with clients and families allows the manager to assess the level of satisfaction and make necessary adjustments. Generally, she is expected to closely monitor healthcare practices to ensure they meet the highest standards. Periodic checking with management staff keeps them aware of changes in insurance industry requirements and alerts them to any cases pending investigation or resolution.
If external sources are needed to properly serve their clients, it is often necessary for a geriatric care manager to interact with independent caregivers, family members, and physicians to establish treatment programs or arrange services. She can help coordinate home care for recently discharged clients or make appointments with specialists who are not available at her facility. If conflicts arise in arranging any of these arrangements, a geriatric care manager is typically asked to apply his or her mediation skills to facilitate resolution.
In addition to oral communication skills, it is often necessary for a person in this job to submit reports and summaries to regulatory agencies and organizations that determine eligibility for guardianships for seniors. She also routinely revises customer service plans as conditions change. If community resources are requested by clients or their families, a geriatric care manager is usually asked to write a referral letter. In some cases, the manager actively helps find extended care facilities for customers who can no longer be adequately served at their location.
Generally, a good geriatric care manager is expected to maintain a balance of empathy and professionalism. She is often asked to provide emotional support to a client or family member one minute and walk into a rigidly constructed business meeting the next. Your ability to remain compassionate while adhering to industry standards is critical to her success.
A bachelor’s degree in gerontology, social work or a related field is typically required to be considered for this position. A degree or license in nursing is highly desirable. A minimum of two years of experience in patient services, healthcare administration or geriatrics is often a prerequisite. For higher-level management positions, a master’s degree may be required.
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