How Case Managers Help Seniors & Their In-Home Caregivers

As our loved ones age, a top priority becomes helping them maintain a fulfilling life at home, aligning with the National Institute of Aging’s recommendations. However, safety, mobility, and daily activities can become increasingly challenging.

This is where a senior case manager, also known as a geriatric care manager, steps in. These specialists play a vital role in bridging the gap between a senior’s needs and their support system. By collaborating with both the senior and their family, case managers identify resources and solutions to enhance daily life. Even when navigating sensitive topics with family members, a case manager focuses on the senior’s health and well-being.

Let’s explore some key ways case managers empower seniors with in-home caregivers.

Home Visits 

Home visits are a crucial part of understanding a senior’s needs and living environment, allowing case managers to connect with the older adult and their caregivers directly. During these visits, case managers can work together with the family to identify areas where services or adjustments could improve the senior’s well-being.

It’s understandable that families may feel apprehensive about home visits. Concerns surrounding judgment or intrusion are common. However, a case manager’s primary goal is to be a supportive resource, not an inspector. Framing the home visit as a collaborative check-in can put everyone at ease.

By taking the time to ask open-ended questions about how everyone is doing, what challenges they’re facing, and what support they might need, the case manager can gain valuable insights into the senior’s situation. This open dialogue creates trust and empowers the family to actively participate in the care plan, creating a more positive and productive in-home care experience for everyone involved.

Care Planning 

A senior’s needs may evolve over time, and care plans need to adapt accordingly. Even though their families may know this, understanding exactly what needs to be done is not always clear. Case managers can help families and seniors make short-term and long-term care plans.

The majority of the 800,000 American seniors in assisted living are above the age of 85. Following the median stay length of 22 months, around 60% of assisted living seniors move out into a skilled nursing center. The care situation that works best for a senior at the moment may not be the case years down the line. By helping the family, seniors, and caregivers plan, the case manager will help facilitate smoother transitions and less financial strain down the line.

Coordinating Care

One of the most important ways case managers can help seniors is by evaluating and coordinating medical services and living arrangements. Case managers assess and monitor in-home care needs for their senior patients, and they can help families make the best decision for caregiving.

Coordinating care is especially important for veterans as the VA system itself is known to be complex and case managers for veterans can often connect them with VA healthcare services and benefits, making sure they receive the care they deserve.

Case managers for seniors can also:

• Advocate for Senior Clients: They ensure seniors receive the appropriate level of care by working with healthcare providers to develop comprehensive care plans. This may involve working with doctors, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.
• Emotional Support and Guidance: Case managers provide support for both seniors and their families as they navigate the challenges of aging.
• Community Resource Connection: They connect families with valuable resources like support groups.

Financial and Legal Advocacy

Many families struggle with the financial and legal issues that arise when caring for a senior loved one at home. Case managers can be invaluable resources in understanding these challenges.

For instance, case managers can help families manage senior benefits, such as Medicare and Medicaid. They can also assist with budgeting, exploring financial aid options, and making sure funds are used appropriately for senior care.

Additionally, case managers can provide guidance on legal issues that may impact seniors, such as power of attorney, guardianship, and estate planning. They can connect families with legal professionals specializing in elder law, ensuring the senior’s legal wishes are documented and protected.

Find In-Home Care Today With ComForCare

ComForCare is here to help case managers help their seniors. Our goal is to ensure seniors live independently and happily at home for as long as possible. We connect people with tailored in-home care services, including personal home care, dementia care, 24-hour services, disability management, and more. Help your senior find in-home care today with ComForCare by contacting us today.