Often care managers are brought into a situation by an adult child, spouse or other responsible person because there has been a change in health status or the time has come to plan for the future. Sometimes the older person who is aware that the daily tasks of life have become overwhelming will initiate the first call. Whether it is a bank manager concerned about a customer or a resident manager, or a lawyer concerned about his client, the first call is usually from someone who is expressing real concerns. When no family lives in the area, however, the process tends to be on-going. Each situation is different, and geriatric care manager needs to be flexible in working with individual families who have their own needs and concerns.
Families have different expectations about care managers as well.
Make sure that whomever you hire understands your expectations and that you understand theirs. There needs to be a trusting relationship in order for the arrangements to work. A trusting relationship is at the core of any plan for long-term care. When looking for a care manager, make sure that the person has experience in all aspects of geriatric care. Hiring someone to help look after a parent is a serious, but often a necessary, thing to do.