Care managers help decide which health care services are necessary for an elderly or disabled individual, and will meet with the individual's doctor, health care providers and family to coordinate the delivery of health services and provide a continuum of care. They can act as the liaison between an individual and his attorney, financial planner, trust officer, and family, and can also complete and submit the paperwork required by insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid.

Care managers may be especially useful if family members do not live near the individual needing care, since they can meet and monitor the care providers on-site. If family members do live close by, the care manager can provide accurate and cost-saving information to help them meet their loved one's health care needs.

Individuals, private agencies and non-profit organizations all provide care management services. While there are membership organizations that provide accreditation for care managers, they are not "neutral" bodies, so be sure to ask the organizations what their standards for accreditation are. Before you hire a care manager, print out copies of Getcare's Care Manager Checklist, which provides detailed questions to help you to evaluate and compare their services.

You can also call the National Association of Geriatric Care Managers for the names of their members who live near you. That number is (520) 881-8008.

Most care managers charge between $75 and $150 per hour for their services. There is usually an initial assessment fee ranging from $100 - $250, depending on the time frame. On-going costs will be determined by the needs of the individual and the resources available for payment. Care management services are not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or most private insurance.