Care managers typically work with older adults, people with disabilities and their supporters to achieve the goals determined by the individuals. Care managers conduct in-depth assessments, develop care plans and recommendations, coordinate services, act as liaisons to health care providers and insurers, and continuously monitor services to ensure that the individual’s goals are met.
They are knowledgeable about the wide array of resources available, including state and federal programs. In addition, care managers work closely with family caregivers to identify other community supports such as adult day centers, homemaker services and more, to provide respite, reduce stress, and help to make the caregiving process as positive as possible.
WHAT QUALITIES MAKES A GOOD CARE MANAGER?
- A great Care Manager has excellent communication skills that include speaking and listening. They are able to follow directions without problem and can easily communicate with patients and families to understand their needs and explain treatments.
- A great Care Manager is very stable emotionally. Health care can be a stressful career and professionals can encounter many traumatic situations, suffering, and death. A great health care worker is one who is able to work without allowing the stress to cause great personal harm.
- Great Care Managers have empathy for the pain and suffering of patients. They are able to feel compassion and provide comfort.
- A great Care Manager is flexible with regards to working hours and responsibilities.
- A great Care Manager understands that every step in the medical field is one that can have far-reaching consequences. Therefore, they pay excellent attention to detail and is careful not to skip steps or make errors.
- A great Care Manager has excellent interpersonal skills and works well in a variety of situations with different people.
- A great Care Manager can think quickly and address problems as — or before — they arise.
- A great Care Manager can respond quickly to emergencies and other situations that arise. Quite often, health care work is simply the response to sudden incidences, and professionals must always be prepared.
- Great Care Managers respect people and rules. They are mindful of confidentiality requirements and different cultures and traditions. And they respect the wishes of the patient.
WHY WOULD SOMEONE NEED A CARE MANAGER?
Care managers are experts in working with individuals to identify their goals and locate the specific support services that enhance well-being. When faced with the array of choices and challenging decisions, care managers provide support to find the best solutions.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM CARE MANAGEMENT?
In addition to the individuals and their families, the following can also benefit from working directly with care managers:
- Attorneys providing elder law, trust, or estate services, or one who needs a conservator of person
- Bank trust officers with fiduciary responsibility for their customers
- Probate judges who need objective, professional assessments, conservators, or professional care management for a case Physicians, nurses, social workers, hospital discharge planners, or other health care providers
- Financial planners and accountants, who need an assessment for future caregiving purposes
- Employee Assistance Programs that work with caregiving employees
- Long-term care insurers Community-based organizations