Does Hiring a Care Manager Make Sense?

Are the client’s issues becoming more numerous and complex than can be comfortably managed?
Are other family needs and responsibilities getting in the way of providing the desired level of supervision and attention to the client?
Is the current caregiver unable to provide the desired level of care and supervision due to health or other reasons?
Are care responsibilities interfering with paid employment?
Does the family live far away from the client requiring care?
Is the current caregiver finding it difficult to coordinate all medical appointments and fulfill all documentation requirements?
Is the caregiver finding it difficult to manage the client’s finances and/or household?
Are care decisions and questions causing conflict and disagreement within the family or among responsible parties?
Is more knowledge of appropriate and applicable resources desired (community resources, state and federal programs and alternate living arrangements, etc.)?
Is more support and education on the presenting health or frailty issues desired (chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, heart disease and COPD)?
Does the client require services that family and friends do not have the time, skill or inclination to provide?

If the answers to three or more of the above questions are “Yes”, a professional care manager will be beneficial for the situation.

Continuity of care management with communications coordinated between family members, doctors and other service providers
Avoidance of inappropriate placements, duplication of services, and unnecessary hospitalizations
A personal and compassionate advocate focused on an individual’s wants and needs
Assistance typically available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Assurance of quality care and quality referrals

To learn more about care management services, call At Home Independent Living today at (315) 579-HOME (4663).

Source: National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers