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Geriatric Care Managers, Gerontologists
and Geriatric Physicians...Understanding the differences.
What is a Geriatric
Care Manager?
A Geriatric Care Manager is a health and human services
specialist who helps families who are caring for older relatives. The Geriatric
Care Manager is trained and experienced in any of several fields related to
care management, including, but not limited to nursing,  gerontology, social
work, or psychology, with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and
elder care.
A Texas Geriatric Care Manager assists older adults and persons
with disabilities in attaining their maximum functional potential. In addition, the Geriatric Care Manager is
an experienced guide and resource for families of older adults and others with
chronic needs, including helping those suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease or
Parkinsons or exhibiting symptoms of dementia.
Geriatric care managers who are members of the
National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM) are
committed to adhering to the NAPGCM Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
This two and-
a-half-minute spot, featured on the "Spotlight On" educational series, does a fantastic job of illustrating the value that a professional geriatric care manager can bring to a family caring for an older loved one.
(Video from the
National Association of Geriatric Care Managers)
What are Gerontologists?
Gerontologists are health care professionals who specialize in working with elderly patients. They provide their services to people in nursing homes, senior citizen centers, and other similar facilities. There are several different types of gerontologists. Research gerontologists conduct research on the aging process and the living environments of older persons in an effort to understand and enrich the lives of the elderly.
Applied gerontologists work directly with the elderly, communicating with and analyzing individuals, families, and groups. Administrative gerontologists use their training and management skills to develop programs and coordinate services that are necessary for elderly services to run smoothly.
Geriatric Medicine: When to Go to a Geriatric Doctor
These professionals may have degrees or training in nursing, psychology, sociology, or other social services-related professions. Gerontologists are responsible for educating older people by giving informative presentations, publishing books and articles that pertain to the elderly population, and producing relevant films and television programs. Individuals interested in this line of work should enjoy working with older people and have effective oral and written communication skills. Anyone considering gerontology should be dedicated to a life of helping people.
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