Care Managers - Who, What, When, Where?

Article submitted by Kris Cambria of Assistance Plus.
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Who are care managers?

Care managers generally have a degree in social work, nursing, gerontology or counseling. They specialize in assisting older clients and families navigate through the medical, financial and social paths of life. Care managers have knowledge and expertise in community resources and services. They frequently meet with clients and /or families in the client's home for an initial evaluation and assessment. The evaluation and assessment help to determine a client's current level of functioning and appropriate level of care. Care mangers provide an unbiased assessment with a goal and focus to keep the client in the most independent and least restrictive environment. After an assessment, a care plan can be developed and further recommendations or referrals can be made.

What do they do?

Complete a detailed assessment to identify current level of care needs.
Identify problems, and assess for eligibility of community resources, financial and medical services.
Arrange as needed for skilled home health, personal care providers, personal shoppers, meals, transportation, adult day care, etc.
Assist to relocate a loved one to another living environment if necessary.
Provide education to the client and family -Advocate for client rights.
Assist and counsel clients with advance directives and to complete financial paperwork.
Act as a liaison between clients and families living at a distance.
Provide counseling and support to clients and family members.

When do I need one?

When a loved one needs assistance, whether you live nearby or at a distance, the experience can be overwhelming and frustrating. Often adult caregivers do not know where to turn or how to get help. Caregivers are often caught between managing their own lives, work, children, marriage and providing care for a loved one. They often feel trapped, frustrated and uncertain as to where to turn for assistance.

Where to turn during the crisis?

A care manager is often contacted during a crisis. Care managers can help
manage the crisis in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Some examples of crisis situations:

Mom is unsafe, the neighbors called to say she wandered off again.
Dad fell and the hospital says he no longer meets medical criteria.
Grandma just died, and now Grandpa appears to be unsafe at home.
Aunt Mary had fallen, broken her hip, was unable to call for help.

Care managers can help to communicate with physicians, medical staff, and other family members to ensure the client is receiving the appropriate care and resources. They can advocate to ensure the clients needs are being met to maintain independence and dignity.