In short
A geriatric care manager, also called an aging life care expert, is usually a nurse or social worker your family hires to assess needs, make a care plan and find services. A case manager usually works for a hospital, insurer or public program, such as a Medicaid waiver, and coordinates the services that organization provides.
Side by side
^ Care managers and case managers
| Geriatric care manager | Case manager | |
|---|---|---|
| --- | --- | --- |
| Works for | Your family | A hospital, plan or program |
| Paid by | Usually your family | The organization |
| Scope | Whatever the family needs | That organization's services |
NIA notes care managers can be especially helpful when the caregiver lives far away. Programs such as Ohio's PASSPORT waiver assign a case manager to arrange in-home services.
Questions families ask
What does a geriatric care manager do?
Identifies needs, makes a care plan and finds services, per NIA.
Is a case manager free?
Usually, as part of a hospital stay, plan or program.
Do I need both?
Not always. A case manager may be enough for a hospital discharge; a care manager helps with ongoing, complex situations.
Does Medicare pay for a care manager?
Private care management is usually paid by the family.