A Guide to Choosing a Care Manager
1) Is the care manager part of an organization that provides other services, such as personal caregiving or transportation?When a care manager recommends services that will provide profit to his/her company, there is an inherent conflict of interest. ElderCare Solutions is an independent care manager, and as such, has no conflict of interest. We make referrals solely based on quality and cost effectiveness. We never benefit financially from referrals.
2) Does the care manager have the education and experience to understand complex care needs and fearlessly advocate for the individual?Health care and social service systems are increasingly fragmented. As individuals age, their needs are multifaceted and can become quite complex. Care managers should be licensed professionals who have the maturity needed to negotiate complex systems. The care managers at ElderCare Solutions are all registered nurses with years of experience in geriatric care. We pride ourselves on passionately advocating for all of our clients to ensure the best possible care. We are able to coordinate all aspects of care – medical, personal and household.
3) Does the care manager have experience as a care manager and specialized training in specific areas of concerns, such as geriatric, psychiatric or chronic care?A care manager will never have all the answers, but knowing what questions to ask is critical. Make sure the care manager you hire has the professional expertise to get the critical information from providers to ensure decisions are informed and collaborative. ElderCare Solution’s nurses have spent their careers in geriatric care with a special focus on psychiatry and mental health issues.
4) Does the care manager have the acumen and interpersonal sophistication to effectively advocate and negotiate complex systems and relationships?Very often, care managers are required to facilitate communication and resolve conflicts between diverse services and providers. In difficult situations, the care manager’s skills are critical to ensure that conflicts are resolved in a positive and productive way. The nurse care managers at ElderCare Solutions are effective in working with clients, their families, doctors and other professional to coordinate the best possible care for the client. ElderCare Solutions offers uncompromising advocacy, oversight of care and a compassionate heart.