National Care Planning Council

Care Manager Services for Aging Adults and Families

Get the right care at the right time—with less stress for you and your family.
Geriatric care manager guiding an elderly man and his daughter through care planning.

What is a Care Manager?

A Care Manager (also called a Geriatric Care Manager, Elder Care Manager, or Aging Care Manager) is a professional who helps older adults and their families plan, coordinate, and manage care. Think of a Care Manager like a guide who understands the senior care system and helps you make confident decisions—at home or from a distance.
Illustration of seniors and family caregivers supported by a care manager in daily life.

Who We Help

  • Older adults who want to age safely at home or need help with a transition
  • Family caregivers who feel overwhelmed or are balancing work and care
  • Long-distance families who need eyes, ears, and advocacy nearby
  • Families experiencing conflict about care decisions
  • Individuals living with dementia, complex medical needs, or multiple medications

What a Care Manager Does

Assess and Plan

  • Evaluate health, home safety, and daily needs
  • Create a personalized care plan with clear next steps
  • Recommend home modifications and adaptive equipment

Coordinate and Monitor Care

  • Start services and keep them on track
  • Oversee in‑home care and monitor quality
  • Conduct ongoing assessments and adjust the plan as needs change

Support Family and Advocate

  • Resolve family conflicts and improve communication
  • Advocate for the older adult and caregiver at appointments and with providers
  • Facilitate family meetings and create written care agreements

Navigate Money and Legal

  • Explain care options and likely costs
  • Assist with Medicaid qualification and applications (when appropriate)
  • Coordinate with trusted legal and financial advisors
  • Manage conservatorship/guardianship processes as needed

Medical and Medication Support

  • Coordinate medical appointments and share updates with the family (with consent)
  • Assist with medication reviews and set up safe routines
  • Arrange transportation to medical visits

Transitions and Placement

  • Recommend the right setting when home is no longer the safest option
  • Arrange tours, compare assisted living and nursing homes, and manage placement
  • Monitor care quality in facilities and advocate for needed changes

Crisis Prevention

  • Identify risks early and put plans in place to avoid emergencies
  • Offer 24/7 escalation protocols based on your care plan

How It Works

Free Phone Assessment & Plan

A quick 10-minute call to understand your needs and create a clear, personalized plan.

Provider Match

We connect you with vetted local providers who are the best fit for your care and lifestyle.

Ongoing Support

Enjoy peace of mind with continuous support and regular check-ins—so you are never on your own.

Pricing and Insurance

  • Typical hourly rate: 75–200 (varies by location and specialization)
  • Flat-fee assessments and care plans are available
  • Long-term care insurance may cover a care assessment (often listed as “care coordination,” commonly 250–300)
  • Medicare generally does not cover care management; some Medicare Advantage plans may include limited coordination benefits
  • We provide a written estimate before you start
Daughter and elderly mother at home after care manager’s visit, showing improved wellbeing.

Real-Life Example

Michelle was caring for her mother, Martha, after a stroke. Tension grew between siblings, and Michelle felt exhausted. A Care Manager assessed Martha, coordinated a geriatric medical review, and helped correct medication issues contributing to mood changes. The Care Manager facilitated a family meeting, set clear roles, and created an eldercare agreement. Within months, Martha’s behavior and independence improved, and the family shared responsibilities more fairly—reducing stress for everyone.

Why Choose a Care Manager

  • Save time and reduce stress
  • Make informed decisions with expert guidance
  • Improve safety at home and avoid unnecessary hospital visits
  • Get unbiased advice on home care, assisted living, or nursing home options
  • Stay organized with a single point of contact for appointments, medications, and services

FAQs

How is a Care Manager different from a social worker?
Many Care Managers are licensed social workers or nurses, but they focus on hands-on coordination, advocacy, and ongoing care oversight tailored to your goals.
Do Care Managers replace family caregivers?
No. They reduce the burden on families by coordinating services and providing expert guidance, so caregiving is safer and more manageable.
Can a Care Manager help if our family disagrees?
Yes. Care Managers often mediate family discussions, clarify expectations, and create written care agreements.
How quickly can services start?
In non-urgent cases, within days of your assessment. In urgent cases, we help prioritize immediate needs and stabilize the situation first.
What if the suspected abuser lives with the older adult?
Prioritize safety. Involve APS, create a plan with a social worker, and consider respite care or alternative housing if needed.
What credentials should I look for?
Look for professionals with backgrounds in geriatric care, nursing, social work, or mediation; membership in professional associations; and strong local references.
Can you help with dementia care?
Yes. We coordinate dementia-friendly care plans, safety strategies, respite care, and appropriate living options when needed.