Meet a Geriatric Care Manager: An Interview with Cheryl Acres, RN, CCM, CDP

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BY ELAINE BRUNER, MSN, RN, CMGT-BC

Recently, I sat down (via Zoom) with Cheryl Acres, RN, CCM, CDP, to discuss the role of a geriatric care manager. Since March 2007, Cheryl has been the sole owner and principal of Comprehensive Care Management, LLC, an independent geriatric care management practice based in Richardson, TX.

Elaine: Cheryl, who are geriatric care managers (GCM)?

Cheryl: In brief, a GCM offers assistance in the aging journey. GCMs can be licensed professionals such as nurses, social workers, licensed professional counselors, or therapists, such as PT, OT, or SLP, as well as unlicensed professionals such as those with a certificate in gerontology studies.

E: Why and when would an individual or family need a GCM?

C: Caring for an aging family member is exhausting, overwhelming, and frustrating for many families. Navigating medical issues, coordinating multiple clinicians, and understanding reimbursement/insurance issues. Critical events can be a tipping point. These families may wonder what their next steps are and how to execute them.

Other referral sources include attorneys and trust agents who are involved with guardianship cases or need recommendations for care and GCM oversight. These referrals may include being a professional witness before a family judge and a subject matter expert in geriatric care and case management.

E: What services are provided by a GCM?

C: Services may depend on whether the GCM is hired through a senior/aging organization or an independent GCM. A comprehensive assessment is critical to understanding the individual and family needs plus formulating a care plan. Other services may include:

  • Care coordination
  • Education
  • Advocacy
  • Resource management
  • Financial stewardship
  • Advance care planning
  • Medication management (RN)

E: Certainly, every referral is unique, requiring sensitivity and extensive knowledge in older adult care, legislation and payer organizations. How are GCM services paid or reimbursed, and how would someone find a GCM?

C: Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance do not cover GCM services. Long-term care insurance policies may have benefits to reimburse GCM services. In an independent practice, reimbursement is private pay.

Referrals for care management may come from a wide variety of sources: word of mouth, elder law attorneys and probate court judges, the Aging Life Care Association, business networking with other providers in the senior services industry, trust officers, employee assistance programs, senior health fairs, speaking presentations and more.

E: CMSA published a position paper, “Communicating Your Value: The Case Manager’s Guide,” June 2024. You contributed a section on GCM. Please share the value that a GCM brings to the care of an aging person.

C: Value to the Patient/Family

  • peace of mind
  • emotional support
  • facilitate communication with providers

Value to Colleagues

  • collaboration with other GCMs
  • problem-solving
  • health fairs/educational events/professional meetings

Value to the Community

  • communication with stakeholders including the healthcare team, post-acute providers, non-medical home care, and hospice.
  • educating community resources.

Value to the Organization

  • GCM practice is generally a non-regulated, private practice industry.
  • subjective measurements such as expressions of gratitude from clinicians, clients, families, and attorneys.

E: Cheryl, I appreciate your expertise and insight. How would you summarize GCM practice?

C: Geriatric care managers are the calming force for clients, and anyone involved in their aging journey.

Resources

Aging Life Care Association. Aging Life Care Association Home

CMSA (2024). Communicating Your Value: The Case Manager’s Guide. CMSA White Paper

Moroch, B. (2024). Geriatric care managers advocate for older adults and their caregivers. AARP, May 14.

Image credit: GROUND PICTURE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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