The landscape of healthcare is constantly evolving, and with an aging population, the demand for specialized geriatric care is greater than ever. For professionals dedicated to serving the elderly, Geriatric Care Training Programs are not just beneficial—they are essential for providing the highest quality of care. These programs equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of elder care, and for those seeking to demonstrate mastery in this field, the Certified Geriatric Care Manager™ (CGCM®) credential stands as a testament to their expertise.
Understanding Geriatric Care Training Programs
Geriatric care training programs are designed to provide comprehensive education in the unique aspects of aging and elder care management. These programs cover a wide array of crucial topics, ensuring that professionals are well-prepared to address the multifaceted needs of older adults. Key areas typically included in these training programs are:
- Geriatric Care Management and Case Management Methodologies: Understanding the principles and concepts of effective care management specifically tailored for the elderly population.
- Functional and Psychological Aspects of Aging: Gaining insights into the physical, cognitive, and emotional changes associated with aging, enabling more empathetic and effective care strategies.
- Client/Patient Assessment: Developing proficiency in assessing the specific needs and challenges of elderly clients or patients, forming the foundation for personalized care plans.
- Ethical, Legal, and Financial Issues in Older Adult Care Management: Navigating the complex ethical dilemmas, legal frameworks, and financial considerations that arise in elder care, ensuring responsible and compliant practice.
- Late Life Relocation, Facility Living, and Placement Issues: Addressing the sensitive issues surrounding relocation, assisted living, and long-term care placement, offering support and guidance during transitions.
- Care Planning, Technology, and Ongoing Care Monitoring: Learning to create effective care plans, utilize technology to enhance care delivery, and implement strategies for continuous monitoring and adaptation of care.
- Working in Different CGM Settings and Private Practice: Exploring diverse professional settings within geriatric care management, including private practice, and understanding the nuances of each.
These geriatric care training programs are crucial for a variety of professionals, including rehabilitation specialists, health and human services providers, elder care attorneys, and paralegals. By participating in these programs, individuals can significantly enhance their ability to provide holistic and effective care to the elderly.
The Certified Geriatric Care Manager (CGCM®) Credential: Recognizing Expertise
For professionals seeking formal recognition of their skills and knowledge in geriatric care management, the Certified Geriatric Care Manager™ (CGCM®) credential, offered by the International Commission on Health Care Certification™ (ICHCC®), is a highly respected and established certification. ICHCC® boasts a long-standing history as the oldest and largest certification agency in the United States and Canada for Life Care Planning and in the US for Medicare Set-aside Consultants and allocators.
The CGCM® credential is specifically designed for rehabilitation and health and human services professionals, as well as elder care attorneys and paralegals who are dedicated to providing case/care management services to elderly individuals facing health and/or disability challenges. This certification rigorously assesses an individual’s understanding of care planning and management principles and practices for elderly persons, aligning with U.S. government standards for defining elderly criteria, and also encompassing those elderly individuals with disabilities.
Qualifications for CGCM® Certification: Building on Geriatric Care Training
To be eligible for the CGCM® examination and subsequent certification, candidates must fulfill specific qualifications that underscore the importance of formal geriatric care training programs. A cornerstone requirement is the completion of an ICHCC-approved 40-hour CGCM training program. These approved programs are listed under the “Training” section of the ICHCC® website, specifically under “Approved Training Programs”.
In addition to the training program, candidates must also meet educational or professional background criteria. These include:
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Educational Background: Non-nurse candidates are required to possess at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as health care, rehabilitation, gerontology, health care administration, case management, or law. Exceptions are made for diploma and degreed nurses, as well as paralegals with 3 years of experience or those holding a paralegal certificate or degree. The certification is also highly relevant for occupational and physical therapists and attorneys specializing in Elder Care Law.
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Gerontology Coursework or Training: All candidates must have completed coursework or training in gerontology, encompassing the areas detailed earlier as critical components of geriatric care training programs (Geriatric Care Management, Aspects of Aging, Client Assessment, Ethical Issues, Relocation, Care Planning, and CGM Settings).
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Clinical Experience: Candidates are required to document at least one year of clinical experience in the field of gerontology. This experience can include patient/client interviews, client assessments, care plan development, monitoring and evaluation, referral to services, healthcare facility administration, or work in Elder Care Law or gerontology.
The ICHCC® maintains the final discretion in approving applications, ensuring that all certified individuals meet rigorous standards of training and experience.
Maintaining Certification: Recertification and Continued Education
The CGCM® certification is valid for three years and requires recertification to maintain active credential status. This recertification process underscores the commitment to ongoing professional development in the field of geriatric care.
Recertification can be achieved through several options:
- Option One: Continuing Education Units (CEUs): Documenting 15 clock hours of pre-approved or post-approved continuing education relevant to geriatric care management. A portion of these hours must be specifically focused on ethics. Resources for approved CEU hours include the Geriatric Care Management Institute and AAACEUS, as well as listings on the ICHCC® website.
- Option Two: Re-examination: Retaking the CGCM® examination. This option is not available if the certification has already expired.
- Option Three: Extension: A six-month extension may be granted to candidates who have completed a portion of the required CEUs but need additional time to fulfill the full requirement.
These recertification options ensure that CGCM® credential holders remain current with best practices and advancements in geriatric care management, reinforcing the value of ongoing geriatric care training programs and continuous learning.
The Value of Geriatric Care Training and CGCM Certification
Investing in geriatric care training programs and pursuing the CGCM® certification demonstrates a profound commitment to excellence in elder care. For professionals, it signifies a dedication to specialized knowledge and skills, enhancing their credibility and career opportunities. For clients and their families, it provides assurance of competent, ethical, and high-quality care from a recognized and qualified professional.
In a field where compassion, expertise, and trust are paramount, geriatric care training programs and the CGCM® certification are invaluable assets for those striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults.
