On a recent Monday morning in Austin, Texas, aging life care manager Kristin Martinelli began her day by completing an online Medicaid recertification for a client residing in a nursing home. Shortly afterward, she met with an 85-year-old woman with advanced dementia and the woman’s daughter, who had traveled from out of town. The meeting with the primary care doctor was arranged to facilitate the woman’s transfer into a secure memory-care unit at a senior living facility. However, when the doctor was unable to complete the necessary paperwork as planned, Martinelli quickly arranged emergency in-home care to ensure the woman’s safety.
This scenario highlights the often unheralded role that aging life care managers play in coordinating complex medical and social services for vulnerable older adults. Formerly known as geriatric care managers, these professionals provide crucial guidance and support for families navigating elder care challenges. They typically come from backgrounds in nursing, social work, physical or occupational therapy, or gerontology and must complete rigorous education and supervised experience before becoming certified.
The Aging Life Care Association, a nonprofit established in the 1980s, now represents over 2,000 such managers across the United States, yet awareness of their services remains limited. "When we talk to someone, they say, ‘I wish I could have called you six months ago, but I didn’t know you existed,’" said Susy Elder Murphy, owner of Aging Well Eldercare, which serves the Washington, D.C. area and its Maryland suburbs.
Most inquiries come from adult children often responding to a crisis, as family members realize too late the extent of their loved one's needs. Aging life care managers distinguish themselves from other elder services by their independent, client-focused approach. Unlike marketing-based referral companies that receive fees from senior living facilities, aging life care managers adhere to a strict ethical code prohibiting referral fees or conflicts of interest.
Clients seek these managers for their objectivity and broad expertise. Their responsibilities range from coordinating moves between care settings, assisting with insurance and government benefits, arranging transportation to medical appointments, to mediating family dynamics. They do not provide direct caregiving but serve as advocates and coordinators, ensuring the well-being and safety of older adults.
Hourly rates for these services vary widely, typically ranging from $150 to $350 depending on location. For example, Aging Life Care Association CEO Julie Wagner noted that members’ fees reflect geographic differences and the complexity of services offered. In Texas, rates around $185 per hour are common, while in Washington, D.C., fees average about $210.
Surveys of clients and families show high satisfaction with the value of aging life care management despite the costs. A 2025 study commissioned by the Aging Life Care Association found that 93 percent of respondents felt the benefits outweighed the financial expense.
Clients like Jeffrey Bernstein of Middleton, Massachusetts, credit care managers with crucial support in overseeing the complex needs of multiple aging relatives. "When something came up, they were there, they stepped up," Bernstein said. "More importantly, they knew what to do when I wouldn’t have. It was tremendously helpful for my peace of mind."
Ms. Martinelli’s recent client in Austin ultimately transitioned to a memory-care unit safely, thanks to quick coordination and advocacy in challenging circumstances. "It’s been OK. So far, so good," Martinelli reported, reflecting the vital role these professionals play in supporting families and safeguarding older adults during critical transitions.