Why Geriatric Care Managers Matter
A Guide for Families North of Boston, MA
Taking care of an older family member can be hard. You may not know what services they need or how to find help. A geriatric care manager, also known as an aging life care professional, is someone who helps older adults and their families make the best choices for their needs and wants. They know about doctors, home care, housing, and more.
They help you make a plan and feel less overwhelmed.
In this guide you’ll learn about:
What Does a Geriatric Care Manager Do?
Needs and Wants
A geriatric care manager looks at what an older adult needs and wants. They give a full rounded approach to care, thinking about an individual's health, emotions, memory, and how they want to live. Then, they make a plan to help. They coordinate with doctors, families, and other providers to make sure their clients are receiving good care.
Some of the roles they can help with:
Set up and/or attend doctor visits
Help find home care or a new place to live
Manage and coordinate with family members
Intervene during a crisis
Check in to make sure the plan is working
How Much Do Care Managers Cost?
They’re Worth their weight in gold
In Massachusetts, a geriatric care manager usually charges between $150 and $250 an hour. Some have a flat fee for an assessment, charge for mileage or monthly help. While this may sound like a lot, many families save money over time. That’s because care managers help prevent bigger problems like hospital visits or bad care.
As an Inhome Art Therapist for Older Adults, North of Boston, I have worked with many throughout the years. I can honestly tell you they are worth their weight in GOLD. I can feel it in the homes where I work with clients. Life is smoother in homes where my client is working with a care manager. I believe it’s because the care manager has identified the gaps in care and supported their client to get those services in place
Are Geriatric Care Managers Covered by Medicare?
Unfortunately, no
Medicare does not pay for geriatric care managers. Sometimes, long-term care insurance might cover it. Most families pay privately. Even though it’s an extra cost, many say it’s worth it because of the help they get.
Are Geriatric Care Managers Worth the Money?
In my opinion - Yes!
A geriatric care manager is like a helper for your family. They keep track of everything so you don’t have to. They help with big and small decisions, to make sure their client is cared for. When something changes quickly, they know what to do.
You also decide how much or how little to have them involved. It’s really your personal choice and that can change over time.
I’d call them your biggest advocate. We all need one of those!
How to Find a Geriatric Care Manager?
Aging Life Care Association
You can search on the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA) website. ALCA is a group that makes sure care managers are trained and professionally credentialed. You can give your zip code and they’ll provide you with all the care managers in your area. .
I recently gave a talk to the New England Chapter of ALCA. I shared how art can help older adults and how care managers can use it for their own self-care, too. It was a great experience and I’m so grateful to their openness in learning about the benefits of art therapy.
Why Work with a Geriatric Care Manager North of Boston?
They know where to find you help
In towns like Arlington, Medford, Melrose, Malden, and Cambridge, there are many great services for older adults. But it can be hard to know where to start. A local geriatric care manager knows the area and the best people to call. They can help you save time, money and avoid mistakes.
They also know lawyers, home care companies, adult day programs, and more. Whether you need help now or are planning for the future, a care manager can make these decisions and transitions easier.
Great Geriatric Care Managers North of Boston
If you live North of Boston—in towns like Arlington, Medford, Melrose, Malden, or Cambridge—a local geriatric care manager can help you find the right care nearby.
Here are three great geriatric care managers who work in this area:
Roseanne Dioguardi, M.Ed, CMC – Roseanne is the founder of Aging with Grace Care Management, LLC. She helps older adults and their families find the right care and support. Roseanne offers full assessments, gives helpful advice, and can assist with hospital discharges, dementia care, and long-distance caregiving. She is known for her kind nature and deep knowledge of elder care.
Kathy Kemp, MSW, LICSW, C-ASWCM – Kathy runs a care management practice called Sage Advice. With many years of experience in social work, she helps older adults and their families feel supported and prepared. Kathy is known for her warm style, clear communication, and helpful guidance. Families trust her to make hard situations easier.
Your Elder Experts – JF&CS has a whole team of geriatric care managers who support older adults and their families. They work together to provide personalized help in many areas like memory loss, home care, and long-term planning. Their team approach means there’s always someone ready to step in and help.
(If you are an aging life care professional North of Boston, or have had a great experience with a care manager you think should be listed here, please reach out!)
Add Art Therapy into Your Care Plan
While a geriatric care manager helps organize and oversee their client’s care, adding creative therapies can also greatly enhance a person’s quality of life. One powerful way to support someone with dementia is through art therapy.
At Art Therapists at Home, we now have openings for in-home art therapy sessions designed especially for individuals living with dementia or older adults struggling with loneliness. These sessions complement the work of care managers by providing meaningful engagement that supports cognitive function, reduces loneliness, and brings joy and purpose to their lives.
Together, we can help the person you’re caring for feel more connected and supported.
If you’re caring for someone experiencing cognitive challenges and want to add more joy and calm to their day, reach out today. We’d love to help.
Let’s bring beauty, support, and peace to your life—through care management, art therapy, or both.