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Senior Living and Care
information. resources. choice. |
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Thursday, September 02, 2010
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Case Management and Geriatric Case Managers
 | Overview
Case management is a collaborative process of assessment, planning, facilitation and advocacy for options and services to meet an individual's health needs through communication and available resources to promote quality cost-effective outcomes.
Case management is not a profession in itself, but an area of practice within one's profession. Its underlying premise is that when an individual reaches the optimum level of wellness and functional capability, everyone benefits: the individuals being served, their support systems, the health care delivery systems and the various reimbursement sources.
Certification as a Certified Case Manager (CCM) determines that the case manager possesses the education, skills and experience required to render appropriate services based on sound principles of practice.
A geriatric care manager is a professional who specializes in assisting older adults and their families with long-term care arrangements. Care managers have extensive knowledge about costs, quality and availability of services in their community and can connect you with the services which will be right for you or a loved one.
Services provided by geriatric care managers include:
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Individualized care-planning assessments to identify issues and need for services.
- Assistance with development of a comprehensive plan of care which meets the needs of your specific situation.
- Guidance in anticipating and planning for future needs.
- Assistance in evaluating eligibility for benefits and referral to appropriate legal/financial professionals.
- Assistance with implementation of the care plan, including in-home assistance or relocation to an appropriate senior living setting.
- Functioning as liaison for families at a distance to ensure that needs are being met and families are kept informed.
- Ongoing education, support and advocacy for clients utilizing any part of the health care or long-term care delivery system.
Benefits of Care Management Services
The benefits of utilizing care management services are many and may include: -
Personalized services, either short-term or ongoing to meet your needs.
- Accessibility (24 hour availability).
- Continuity of care management.
- Cost effectiveness: the care manager's knowledge and expertise can help you avoid costly mistakes by carefully matching appropriate services to client's needs.
Selecting a Care Manager
There are a variety of agencies which provide Care Coordination or Geriatric Care Management. In selecting the agency you wish to work with, you may want to ask about the following:
- Staff Training and Qualifications.
- What is staff's educational and work background?
- How long have they been providing care management services?
- What are their professional credentials and affiliations? (i.e., membership in the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers)
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Quick Links
For more information, please explore the resources below:
 Selecting a Geriatric Care Manager
How can a geriatric care manager help me? How do I screen a geriatric care manager? Where do I find more information on geriatric care managers?
Care Management Techniques You Can Use PDF
If you don’t have access to a care manager, you can learn how to think and act like one. Get some tips.
Visit your local Area Agency on Aging
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help you with many senior services in your area, including finding a qualified Geriatric Case Manager.
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