For professionals dedicated to enhancing the lives of the elderly, obtaining a Geriatric Care Manager Certification can significantly elevate their expertise and career prospects. The International Commission on Health Care Certification™ (ICHCC®), a respected and long-standing certification agency, offers the Certified Geriatric Care Manager™ (CGCM®) credential, a widely recognized standard in the United States and Canada. This guide provides a detailed overview of Geriatric Care Manager Certification Programs, specifically focusing on the CGCM® certification, its qualifications, and the recertification process.
Understanding the Certified Geriatric Care Manager™ (CGCM®) Credential
The CGCM® certification is designed for rehabilitation, health, and human services professionals, as well as elder care attorneys and paralegals who specialize in providing care management services to older adults facing health and disability challenges. This credential validates an individual’s comprehensive knowledge of care planning and management principles tailored to the elderly population, aligning with U.S. government standards for elderly care and disability considerations.
The CGCM® is particularly beneficial for Certified Life Care Planners™ (CLCP®), Canadian Certified Life Care Planners™ (CCLCP™), and rehabilitation counselors looking to broaden their practice into the growing field of geriatric care management. It signifies a commitment to specialized knowledge and ethical practice in serving the elderly community.
CGCM® Certification Qualifications: Is it Right for You?
To be eligible for the CGCM® examination, candidates must fulfill specific educational and experiential criteria, ensuring a high standard of professionalism and competence among certified geriatric care managers. These qualifications are structured to ensure that individuals entering the field possess a foundational understanding of gerontology and care management practices.
Educational and Professional Background
-
Degree Requirement: Non-nurse candidates are required to hold 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 registered nurses (diploma or degree) and paralegals. Paralegals are eligible with either 3 years of relevant experience or a paralegal certificate or degree. Professionals from backgrounds like occupational and physical therapy, as well as attorneys specializing in Elder Care Law, will also find this certification highly relevant.
-
Gerontology Coursework or Training: All candidates must have completed coursework or training in key areas of gerontology. This ensures a specialized understanding of the aging process and the unique needs of elderly clients. These areas include:
a. Geriatric Care Management and Case Management Methodology and Concepts: Understanding the principles and practices of effective geriatric care management.
b. Functional and Psychological Aspects of Aging: Knowledge of the physical, cognitive, and emotional changes associated with aging.
c. Client/Patient Assessment: Skills in evaluating the needs and conditions of elderly clients to develop appropriate care plans.
d. Ethical, Legal, and Financial Issues in Older Adult Care Management: Awareness of the specific ethical dilemmas, legal frameworks, and financial considerations in elder care.
e. Late Life Relocation, Facility Living, and Placement Issues: Expertise in assisting clients with transitions in living situations, including facility placements.
f. Care Planning, Technology, and Ongoing Care Monitoring: Ability to develop, implement, and monitor care plans, incorporating technology where appropriate.
g. Working in Different CGM Settings and Private Practice: Understanding the diverse settings in which geriatric care managers operate, including private practice models. -
Clinical Experience in Gerontology: Practical experience is crucial. Candidates must document at least one year of clinical experience in gerontology, demonstrating hands-on application of their knowledge. Acceptable forms of experience include:
a. Patient/client interviews and client assessments.
b. Care plan development, monitoring, and evaluation.
c. Referral to formal and informal support services.
d. Administration within a health care facility.
e. Work experience in Elder Care Law or directly within the field of Gerontology.
It’s important to note that the ICHCC® has the final authority on application approvals, particularly in cases where there might be ambiguity regarding training or experience. Each candidate must hold an entry-level academic degree or certificate/diploma in their primary profession.
Alt text: The official Certified Geriatric Care Manager (CGCM) certification mark, representing professional excellence in elder care management.
Maintaining Your CGCM® Certification: Recertification Process
The CGCM® certification is valid for three years, after which certified professionals must undergo recertification to maintain their credential. ICHCC® offers several flexible options for recertification, acknowledging the diverse professional development paths of geriatric care managers. Detailed guidelines for recertification are available in the ICHCC® Practice Standards and Guidelines, accessible on their website under the “About Us” section.
Recertification Options
-
Continuing Education Units (CEUs): The most common recertification method involves documenting 15 clock hours of pre-approved or post-approved continuing education relevant to geriatric care management. A portion of these hours, specifically 5, must be dedicated to ethics-related training. Approved CEU opportunities can be found on the ICHCC® website under “News and Events” and through resources like the Geriatric Care Management Institute and AAACEUS. Submitting documentation for pre-approved courses costs $300, while submitting non-pre-approved courses for review costs $350.
-
Re-examination: Professionals can opt to retake the CGCM® examination to recertify. This option is available for a fee of $795, which covers both the examination and the certification renewal. It is important to note that re-examination is not an option if the certification has already expired.
-
Extension: For certificants who need more time to accrue the required CEUs, a six-month extension may be granted. To be eligible for an extension, candidates must have completed and submitted documentation for at least 5 of the 15 required CEU hours. Each 6-month extension incurs a fee of $200.
Alt text: Flowchart illustrating the CGCM recertification process, outlining options for renewal through CEUs, re-examination, or extension.
Take the Next Step in Your Geriatric Care Management Career
Becoming a Certified Geriatric Care Manager™ (CGCM®) is a significant step towards professional recognition and advanced expertise in elder care. By pursuing geriatric care manager certification programs like the CGCM®, professionals demonstrate their dedication to providing high-quality, ethical, and knowledgeable care to the elderly population.
For those ready to begin or continue their certification journey, the following resources are available:
- CGCM® Application Form: Download CGCM® Application Form
- CGCM® Renewal Application Form: Download CGCM® Renewal Application Form
Embrace the opportunity to enhance your skills and credibility in the field of geriatric care management through the respected CGCM® certification.
