How to Choose a GCM

When looking for a GCM, the Federal Trade Commission, in partnership with AARP, suggests the following screening questions:

"Ask about candidates' training, education and background in care management and geriatrics."

I hold a Master's Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University, and also hold a LICSW. Prior to beginning my GCM career, I served as a hospital social worker, where I first became interested in elder issues. I began my Geriatric Care Management career in 1992. I established the current name for my care management and coaching firm, Coaching Caregivers LLC, in 2003. A more detailed biography is available here.

Also, do not underestimate the importance of 24-hour service. A care manager's ability to be responsive is important. I can be reached on my cellular phone on a 24-hour basis, and check e-mail often. My office voicemail is confidential, listened to only by myself.

"Determine the scope of the GCM's practice."

Coaching Caregivers LLC provides programs, products and services to caregivers who live and work across the nation. I particularly enjoy sharing solutions with those who have the desire to begin or resume personal and professional achievement, outside of their role as caregiver. As both a care manager and a coach, I serve as an advisor, planner, and manager to elders, family members, and others on a short- or long-term basis.

My hospital background and fourteen years of GCM experience have taught me how to best work with facility administrators and managers. One of my favorite parts of my job is negotiating with the staff members at facilities, while also being empathetic and understanding of older, sometimes difficult, people. I see myself as a diplomat, smoothing the bonds between families, facilities, and the person who requires care.

"Investigate the GCM's track record and reputation."

"Jim Ferry helped me and my brother through a very difficult period in our mother's struggle with Alzheimer's disease. As she made the progression from being able to fend for herself as she had done for over 25 years, to being considered an 'elder at risk' by health care professionals, Jim was very helpful in sorting out how to get her the care she needed and still satisfy her exacting standards. Jim's knowledge of and experience with Alzheimer's helped us to sort out what was really happening from thousands of miles away. Jim was excellent about communicating with us and the other's involved in our mother's care. And he does it all in a warm, unassuming way that makes you feel you are dealing with a friend rather than a hired professional. Thanks, Jim." -- C.C., Madrid, Spain

"As a long distance caregiver, hiring Jim Ferry was the best step I took in caring for my ailing father. Jim was phenomenal. His strengths included superb people skills, analytics, and a knowledge of the eldercare bureaucracy. Jim never wavered in his commitment to find the best solutions for my father, as we went from assisted living to skilled nursing and eventually home with 24/7 care. Most importantly, Jim treated my father with the utmost warmth and respect, got to know what made him 'tick,' and became his trusted friend." -- Barbara, Bethesda, MD