Newswise — The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM) recently surveyed 2,075 U.S. adults aged 18 and over about elder care and aging issues. The Geriatric Care Manager/Aging Study was conducted by Harris Interactive® via its QuickQuerySM online omnibus service. Questions answered include:

Aging Concerns " What are the primary concerns related to aging? ·Loss of physical or mental health·Losing the ability to drive·Losing spouse/partner and/or having to live alone·Not having sufficient finances to support themselves and their spouses/partners later in life

Elder Care " What are the current circumstances related to elder care and caring for aging parents?·Caring for aging parents at a distance·Caring for aging parents who live in my home·Caring for aging parents who live in their own home·Caring for aging parents who live in assisted living or nursing home·Caring for aging parents and caring for my own children·Concerned about caring for aging parents in the future·Approaching late adulthood myself and needing elder care in the near future·Currently in late adulthood and receiving elder care·Desire for employers to offer elder care benefits

Geriatric Care Management Profession " What is the awareness of geriatric care managers and the geriatric care management profession?

·What percent of consumers are familiar with the roles and responsibilities of the geriatric care manager profession?

Highlights of the Survey Results·While losing their physical or mental health was the top rated consumer concern overall (83%), at a close second (78%) was not having sufficient finances to support themselves or their spouses/partners later in life.·A relatively high percentage of consumers (71%) were concerned about having to leave their homes or losing their independence.·Losing a spouse/partner and/or having to live alone weighed heavily on the minds of many of the respondents (66%) as did a spouse/partner having to care for a person if he or she was to become frail or were dying.·Other major concerns noted were losing the ability to drive (65%) and having to care for a spouse/partner as they became ill or were dying (58%).·Overall, 32% of respondents were at least familiar with the roles and responsibilities of the geriatric care manager profession.

The top line results and executive summary may be found at http://www.caremanager.org in the Newsroom.

About the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM)NAPGCM was formed in 1984 to advance dignified care for older adults and their families in the United States. The association currently boasts a membership of over 2,100 care managers. Professional Geriatric Care Managers (PGCMs) are professionals who have extensive training and experience working with older people, people with disabilities and families who need assistance with care giving issues. They assist families in the search for a suitable nursing home placement or extended care if the need occurs. The practice of geriatric care management and the role of care providers have captured a national spotlight, as generations of Baby Boomers age in the United States and abroad. For more information please visit http://www.caremanager.org or call 520.881.8008.

Individuals may obtain the free brochure "Questions and Answers When Looking for a Geriatric Care Manager," on the NAPGCM web site at: http://www.caremanager.org and then click on "Learn More About Geriatric Care Management," and "Find a Care Manager." Individuals looking for a Professional Geriatric Care Manager in their local area may visit www.caremanager.org and may use the searchable directory that is located in the "Find a Care Manager" section.

The survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive via its QuickQuerySM online omnibus service, on behalf of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers between January 9 and 11, 2008 among 2,075 adults. No estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated; a full methodology is available.

About Harris InteractiveHarris Interactive is one of the largest and fastest-growing market research firms in the world. The company provides innovative research, insights and strategic advice to help its clients make more confident decisions, which lead to measurable and enduring improvements in performance. Harris Interactive is widely known for The Harris Poll®, one of the longest running, independent opinion polls, and for pioneering online market research methods. The company has built what it believes to be the world's largest panel of survey respondents, the Harris Poll Online. Harris Interactive serves clients worldwide through its North American, European and Asian offices, and through a global network of independent market research firms. More information about Harris Interactive may be obtained at www.harrisinteractive.com. To become a member of the Harris Poll Online and be invited to participate in online surveys, register at http://www.harrispollonline.com.