There was a recent article in the Detroit Free Press (May 18, 2026) Managing doctors, meds and housing: How geriatric care managers help families cope . You can read the article here. The article relays the benefits of the use of a “Geriatric Care Manager” (GCM) as your guide through the maze of public and private options for Elders. In our over 25 years experience in Elder Law we have found the use of a GCM to be both invaluable in time and money spent. In other words, hiring a GCM is not money spent but money saved.
The Freep article quotes Alison Hirschel, Director of the Michigan Elder Justice Initiative. “A geriatric care manager really helps navigate all of those challenges.” This is high praise from a trustworthy elder advocate. We note the article did not mention the Geriatric Social Workers of Southeast Michigan here who are in fact GCMs. You can read about them in your Facebook account.
A GCM may be a licensed social worker, Registered nurse (RN), or a Gerontologist. Geriatric Care Managers Advocate for Older Adults — and Their Caregivers. You can read about how a GCM may help you. You can read the AARP article “Geriatric Care Managers Advocate for Older Adults — and Their Caregivers”
How can a GCM help you? Consider the complexities of choosing a Medicare Advantage plan. These include choosing between an HMO, PPO, PFFS, SNP, MSA and many Medicare D drug plans. Each has their own list of providers, covered services, monthly costs, deductibles and uncovered items. A GCM is an expert in choosing the right Medicare plan for an elder. The GCM can also help choose the best medical provider whether it be doctors, therapists, in-home services and living facilities.
When an elder does not want or cannot live at home, a GCM can help in choosing the right housing option that is within the Elder's budget. The options include include senior apartments with services for those who can live independently. For those who need long term care, there are also a wide variety of options. These range from “board and care” homes to nursing homes. For more information see the National Institute on Aging article Long-Term Care Facilities: Assisted Living, Nursing Homes, and Other Residential Care.
Choosing an assisted living facility may be difficult on your own since every one seems to claim it meet all needs. We have heard from many clients that what was promised when the contract was signed was not delivered. The GCM will help you make the right choice. Take a look at this handy guide published by the United Medicare Providers here.
In short a GCM can help an Elder live the life he or she wishes.
All the best to you,
Jim