When the health and well-being of an aging loved one becomes increasingly complex, families often turn to an Aging Life Care Manager® (sometimes called geriatric care managers) for expert guidance. But how do you know you’re hiring someone truly qualified to manage the challenges of aging? One key indicator is professional certification.
In this post, we’ll explore why certification matters, which credentials to look for when engaging the services of an Aging Life Care Manager, and the essential questions to ask before hiring.
Why Certification Matters
Certification represents more than just a designation; it’s a trusted sign of expertise, ethical standards, education, and experience.
“Certification is a powerful way to show families that an Aging Life Care / care manager has the proven knowledge, experience, and commitment needed to guide them through some of life’s most challenging decisions. It represents accountability to the profession, and more importantly, to the people we serve.” — Byron Cordes, LCSW, C-ASWCM, CMC, President of National Academy of Certified Care Managers
Aging Life Care Professionals ® who have earned certification, have demonstrated their applied knowledge through rigorous training, supervised work experience, passing an exam, and participating in ongoing continuing education. Certification provides validation of an individual’s skills and knowledge, assuring employers of their competence in a specific area and shows that the Aging Life Care Manager you’re working with adheres to the highest standards of professionalism.
For Aging Life Care Managers®, certification:
- Enhances credibility with families and health care partners
- Opens the door to greater career and professional opportunities
- Ensures compliance with regulatory and ethical standards
- Supports lifelong learning and continued excellence in care
ALCA Recognized Certifications
While the Aging Life Care Association® (ALCA) is not a certifying body, it recognizes four highly respected certifications to become an Advanced Professional Member of the association . To be listed as Advanced Professional or Fellow in the Find an Aging Life Care Expert directory, a professional must hold at least one of the following:
1. Care Manager Certified (CMC)
- Offered by: National Academy of Certified Care Managers (NACCM)
- Website: naccm.net
2. Certified Case Manager (CCM)
- Offered by: Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC)
- Website: ccmcertification.org
3. Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM)
- Offered by: National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
- Website: socialworkers.org
4. Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM)
- Offered by: National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
- Website: socialworkers.org
About NACCM – Care Manager Certification
The National Academy of Certified Care Managers (NACCM) offers the Care Manager Certified (CMC®) credential, the only certification specifically designed for professionals working in care management across aging, disability, and health care. Holding a CMC demonstrates that a care manager has met rigorous standards of education, experience, and ethical practice.
NACCM’s CMC certification is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), a nationally recognized authority on credentialing excellence. As stated on the NCCA website:
“The NCCA helps to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the public through the accreditation of a variety of individual certification programs that assess professional competency.”
This accreditation assures families, employers, and clients that a CMC has been tested against the highest industry standards and is committed to ongoing professional development and ethical practice.
Learn more about the Care Manager Certified certification here: www.naccm.net
When to Hire an Aging Life Care Manager®
You may want to consult or hire an Aging Life Care Manager when:
- Your aging loved one is facing multiple health conditions or complex care needs
- You live far away and need someone local to oversee care
- You’re overwhelmed by the healthcare system, insurance, or long-term care decisions
- Your family is in conflict over care decisions and needs a neutral expert
- You need a plan for aging in place, or a smooth transition to assisted living, skilled nursing, or hospice
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Hiring the right Aging Life Care Manager is a critical decision. Here are some questions to guide your selection:
1. Do you belong to the Aging Life Care Association or any professional associations? (ALCA membership indicates a commitment to ethical standards and continuing education.)
2. Are you certified? If so, by which organization?
3. How long have you been practicing in the field of aging or care management?
4. What are your areas of expertise? (Medical advocacy, housing transitions, dementia care, etc.)
5. Can you provide client references?
6. What services do you offer, and how do you charge?
Certification Reflects Commitment
For professionals, pursuing certification is a powerful step toward becoming an Advanced Professional Member of ALCA and being recognized as a leader in the field. If you’re a family seeking help, use the Find an Aging Life Care Expert tool to identify professionals in your area. If you’re a care manager ready to elevate your career, explore the path to certification through NACCM, CCMC, or NASW.
Ready to learn more?
Visit our Certification Page to explore certification pathways, recertification details, and the benefits of professional advancement.
Need Help Now?
Use our directory to Find an Aging Life Care Expert to help you navigate life’s later stages with confidence and compassion.