Try to determine whether you actually have a problem for which a Care Manager might be helpful. Do you have the time, inclination and skill to manage the problem yourself? If you are not sure ask people you trust if they think you could use assistance. Other questions you may wish to consider include

• Are the problems you are facing becoming larger
  and more complex?
• Are other demands and responsibilities now so great that you are not able to provide the desired level of supervision and attention to your loved one's problems?
• Are the decisions and questions related to caregiving and the elder's needs causing conflict and disagreement within
  the family?

If you Answer "YES" to any of these questions, it might be time to consider hiring a Care Manager.

A Geriatric Care manager is a health and human services professional, such as a gerontologist, social worker, counselor or nurse with a highly specialized body of knowledge and experience related to aging and elder issues. The Care Manager assists older adults and persons with disabilities in attaining their maximum functional potential. The Care Manager strives to respect the autonomy of the individual and delivers care, coordination and support services with sensitivity to perserve the dignity and respect of each individual. In addition the Care manager is an erperienced guide and resource for families of older adults and others with chronic needs.