Question: What is a Geriatric Care Manager and where do you work?

Answer: My title is Geriatric Care Manager, (GCM) I work with individuals, couples and families who have issues, concerns or questions regarding aging. Geriatric is defined as “of or relating to old people, especially with regard to their health care”. This definition simply defines my service focus. I am not a nurse; I help with issues and concerns that come along as you age. The role of a GCM is to stay up to date on services available to seniors such as, Medicare and Medicaid programs and the eligibility regulations, Long Term Care Insurance, alternative living arrangements, and managing their home and health; a GCM is an expert in senior care. As a GCM I work with individuals/couples/families that are looking for options, alternatives and solutions to make the best possible decisions about life for themselves. There are many programs, agencies and institutions available to provide services for our senior community, such as Office For the Aging (OFA), Southwestern Independent Living Services (SILC), The Resource Center, Home Care Agencies, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities, Hospice, Private Contractors, Meals on Wheels, Adult Day Care and so many others.

I recently had a slight role change and a new job title, Medicare & Individual Health Account Executive. I am now working for Lawley Insurance. My focus has always been on helping seniors, most specifically with Medicare insurance alternatives. Now I am at a new location and a new role. I will continue to help individuals understand the transition into Medicare as they turn 65, and the many Medicare decisions in their lifetime. The Medicare Annual Open Enrollment period in the Fall is an especially busy time helping people make good health insurance choices.

You may not know the options available to you. Sometimes the questions are about alternative solutions and need help working through the many challenges of growing older. Working together we can find the solutions that make the most sense for you.

It is also important to remember that there is NOT just one choice. Knowing where to go to get the answer or services you need is a big part of my job. I often have individuals who call and ask a question that I do not know the answer to, or it is not something I do, so I find an alternative agency, program or individual who can help them.

I am proud to say during my more than 30 years of working in this region “What I LOVE about my job is that I get to help people find the best fit for them and the best solution for their individual situation”. I am proud to say that our community of agencies/programs work together for the betterment of our clients. We put the needs of the individual/couple/family first. We serve the unique needs of the individual and/or their family. Lawley Insurance as an Independent Insurance Agency will allow me to continue to see those individuals as they make their Medicare decisions.

Lawley Insurance is located at 552 West Third St. Jamestown, NY. Lawley Insurance has a number of locations in Western NY as well as New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Lawley Insurance can be reached via pone at 716-849-8223, or via the web at www.lawleyinsurance.com.

Janell Sluga is a Geriatric Care Manager helping seniors in our community access services and insurance. To reach her, please email editorial@post-journal.com.