WHAT IS PROFESSIONAL CARE MANAGEMENT? 

Professional care management is a holistic, client-centered approach to caring for  older adults, disabled, or mentally ill persons. The goal is to improve the client’s quality of life and reduce family stress through: 

∙ Assessment and monitoring

∙ Planning and problem-solving

∙ Education and advocacy

∙ Family caregiver coaching

Care Managers are engaged to assist in a variety of areas:

∙ Housing – helping families evaluate and select appropriate level of  housing or residential options

∙ Home care services – determining types of services that are right for a  client and assisting the family to engage and monitor those services

∙ Medical management – attending doctor appointments, facilitating  communication between doctor, client, and family, and if appropriate,  monitoring client’s adherence to medical orders and instructions

∙ Communication – keeping family members and professionals informed as to the well-being and changing needs of the  client

∙ Social activities – providing opportunity for client to engage in social,  recreational, or cultural activities that enrich the quality of life

∙ Legal – referring to or consulting with elder law or disability attorney,  providing expert opinion for courts in determining level of care

∙ Financial– may include reviewing bill paying or consulting with  accountant or client’s Power of Attorney

∙ Entitlements – providing information on Federal and state  entitlements; connecting families to local programs

∙ Community Connection – identifying appropriate community  programs and services that might enhance one’s quality of life and  afford additional benefits that were otherwise unknown to family or  the client

∙ Safety and security – monitoring client at home; recommending  technologies to add to security or safety; observing changes and  potential risks of exploitation or abuse

Local, cost-effective resources are identified and engaged as needed.

A care plan tailored for each individual’s circumstances is prepared after a  comprehensive assessment. The plan may be modified, in consultation with client  and family, as circumstances change.

Professionals in Care Management are accountable to their licensure and certifications as well as the National Association of Social Workers and the Aging Life Care Professionals Codes of Ethics.