What is Care Management? A Holistic Approach to Elder Care
Care management is a comprehensive approach to elder care that focuses on the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the elderly person, as well as their caregivers. It involves identifying the individual's unique needs and creating a personalized plan to meet those needs. This approach recognizes that caregiving is not just about providing medical care, but also about supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of both the care recipient and the caregiver.
Key Components of Care Management
Assessment: A thorough assessment of the individual's physical, emotional, and social needs is conducted to identify areas of concern and develop a plan to address them.
Goal Setting: Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals are established to address the individual's needs and priorities.
Service Coordination: A network of healthcare professionals, social services, and community resources is coordinated to provide a seamless delivery of care.
Caregiver Support: Ongoing support is provided to caregivers to help them manage their own stress, anxiety, and emotional well-being.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation of the care plan is conducted to ensure that it remains effective and relevant.
Benefits of Care Management
Improved Outcomes: Care management has been shown to improve health outcomes, reduce hospitalizations, and increase patient satisfaction.
Reduced Stress: Caregivers who receive support and guidance through care management experience reduced stress and anxiety.
Increased Satisfaction: Both care recipients and caregivers report higher levels of satisfaction with their care when care management is in place.
Cost Savings: Care management can help reduce healthcare costs by reducing hospitalizations, readmissions, and other unnecessary expenses.
Importance of Working with Certified Care Managers
When selecting a care manager, it's essential to choose a professional who is certified by a reputable organization such as the Aging Life Care Association® (ALCA). These certifications ensure that the care manager has met stringent criteria on credentials and education, including:
A bachelor's degree in a field such as nursing, social work, or gerontology
Completion of continuing education requirements
Passage of a certification exam
Adherence to a code of ethics
By working with a certified care manager, you can be confident that your loved one will receive high-quality care that is tailored to their unique needs. Certified care managers have extensive knowledge in eight key areas:
Health and Disability: They interact with the healthcare system effectively and frequently, attending doctor appointments and facilitating communication between doctors, clients, and family members.
Financial: They review and oversee bill paying, consult with clients' accountants or Power of Attorney, and provide information on federal and state entitlements.
Housing: They help families evaluate and select appropriate housing options.
Families: They help families adjust to caregiving responsibilities, cope with internal conflicts, and address care concerns.
Local Resources: They know local resources in their communities and know how services are accessed.
Advocacy: They advocate for clients' needs with healthcare providers and other stakeholders.
Legal: They refer clients to legal experts, such as elder law attorneys, estate planners, and Powers of Attorney.
Crisis Intervention: They offer crisis intervention when needed, helping clients navigate emergency departments and hospitalizations.
Getting Started
Review our care management checklist to see if you should consider a professional care manager.
If you're interested in learning more about our care management services or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.
ElderTree is here to support you and your loved one every step of the way!
