Case Managers (also known as the Care Coordinator) work with those in need of care and their families to help meet individuals’ health care goals. Following a referral from Intake, a Case Manager will arrange a home visit with the care receiver (and family caregiver) to:
- Discuss the person’s health care needs
- Jointly develop a care plan
- Provide information about available resources in the community
- Assess eligibility for subsidized services such as home support, adult day centres or residential care, and authorize payment for these resources if appro¬priate
- Jointly decide how to monitor the care plan
- Communicate with other service providers to make sure the care receiver and family obtain the help needed
In developing a care plan, the Case Manager will take into account: the care receiver’s health status; the available caregiver support; the home environment; and any other relevant factors.
In some provinces, Since a financial assessment will be completed to determine the care recipient’s costs for home support (assuming that home support services are required). It is important to have the most recent income tax returns handy.
If the care recipient qualifies for home care, make sure you have discussed with the Case Manager:
- The extent to which the services are covered
- Which services the care receiver will have to pay for privately
- Any conditions relating to the terms of services
- Who will provide the services
In this discussion, make sure it is clear who sets up the services. For example, in situations in which home support has been authorized, the Case Manager generally assumes responsibility for setting up the home support service. However, it is important that everyone is clear about the process.
It is also important to remember that the plan of care developed with the Case Manager directs the nature, amount and duration of the service(s) that a person receives. If, as a family caregiver and/or care receiver, you have any concerns about this plan of care, contact the Case Manager. Similarly, if, after a period of time, the care receiver no longer needs the level of service offered, please contact the Case Manager promptly.
Adapted from: Family Caregivers' Network Society, Resource Guide for Family Caregivers, 2006.