Care Management

Care Management (aka Geriatric Care Management) is a holistic, client-centered approach to planning with and caring for aging adults, dependent adults, or others of any age facing ongoing health or disability challenges. Family Life Care's Care Managers help older adults and the disabled navigate challenges and make positive, informed decisions and plans. Their guidance leads people to the actions and decisions that ensure quality care and an optimal life for themselves or those they love, thus reducing worry, stress, for family caregivers. The expertise of Care Managers can be summari;2ed into eight knowledge areas.

Health and Disability. From physical problems to mental health and dementia-related problems, Care Managers interact with the health care system effectively and frequently. Care Managers attend doctor appointments and facilitate communication between doctor, client, and family. These professionals help determine types of services-such as home health and hospice-that are right for a client and assist in engaging and monitoring those services.

Financial. Services may include reviewing or overseeing bill paying or consulting with a client's accountant or Power of Attorney. Care Managers provide information on Federal and state entitlements and Veterans Programs connecting families to local programs when appropriate. They also help clients and families with insurance concerns, claims, and applications.

Housing. Care Managers help families and clients evaluate and select appropriate level of housing or residential options that are the least restrictive where the client will be safe.

Families. Care Managers help families adjust, cope and problem-solve around long-distance and in-home caregiving, addressing care concerns, internal conflicts and differences of opinion about long-term care planning.

Local Resources. Care Managers know the specifics of the local resources in their communities and know how services are accessed.

Advocacy. Care Managers are strong and effective advocates for clients and their families, promoting the client's wishes with health care and other providers, ensuring that client's needs are being addressed.

Legal. Care Managers refer to legal experts, like elder law attorneys, estate planners, and Powers of Attorney.

Crisis Intervention. Care Managers offer crisis intervention when it is needed, helping clients navigate through emergency departments and hospitalizations, rehabilitation stays, and ensuring that adequate care is available to the client. For families that live at a distance, this can be a much-needed 24/7 emergency contact.

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.