Geriatric Care Managers

Geriatric care managers (GCMs) typically have several years of experience as a GCM assistant or experience in social work, nursing, or nursing home management.

Geriatric care management is a field that requires a lot of the so-called soft skills; compassion, responsibility, patience, and ethics are some of the more obvious characteristics. Assertiveness is also important, as you will be acting as an advocate for your clients, going to whatever lengths necessary to get your client what he or she needs and deserves. A professional demeanor is important, as you will be dealing with attorneys, trust officers, care providers, and other professionals, as well as the client's concerned family members or friends. Good judgment and assessment skills are a necessity. You should also have extensive knowledge of health care issues and the resources that are available to your clients. You will need to maintain a calm disposition in a crisis. You might find yourself accompanying a client to the emergency room, comforting family members during bad times, or visiting clients in what can be disturbing environments. You should be a people person, able to form long-term relationships with clients and their families, because your role will be one of great importance to them.