Social Services / Case Management
Social Services / Case Management
Q: What is Case Management and how can it help me?
A: Case management is a process for
helping people who are in danger of losing their independence due
to the presence of multiple problems which require assistance from
one or more persons. It has a dual emphasis:
1. To develop and enhance available resources, and...
2. To strengthen the personal competence of the client to obtain
resources
Q: What is the first step to request a case
manager?
A: Call 1-800-211-2116. An information
and assistance specialist will determine your need and refer you to
a case manager, if appropriate. Information and assistance and/or
case management services are free to seniors 60 years of age or
older. Services are paid for by the Older Americans Act.
Q: What will the case manager do when he/she visits
me?
A: If you are referred to a case manager,
he/she will call to set up a time to visit you at home. The case
manager will complete an assessment to determine your level of need
and current resources. Feel free to ask the case manager any
questions during the assessment.
Q: What type of information will I have to tell the case
manager?
A: The assessment is comprehensive and
contains questions about your health, family and friend support,
and any services you currently receive. To determine eligibility
for some services the case manager will ask your income. You will
never be pressured to answer any question, however, you may limit
the types of services available to you by not providing complete
information.
Q: Will the information that I tell the case manager be
kept confidential?
A: Yes. Your assessment will be kept in a
locked file and will only be seen by the case manager and case
management supervisor. Information will only be shared with
potential service providers if you give written permission to do
so.
Q: Will my family need to participate in the assessment
or care plan?
A: Yes. If you have family they should be
present during the initial assessment. They will be encouraged to
participate in the design and provision of your care plan. Any
support your family is able to provide is very important to the
success of your care plan.
Q: Will I get a chance to have input into the type of
care that I need or will I loose control?
A: You will be in charge of all
decisions. The case manager will explain options and/or services
that are available to you and answer your questions. The case
manager has no authority to choose for you. The care plan is
developed in agreement by all parties involved, especially the
client.
Q: What types of help can I expect to receive from the
case manager?
A: The case manager will assess your situation and
identify needs. He/she will then link you to available services in
the community for which you qualify. The case manager is not
someone to run your errands or take you places. The case manager
will be your service coordinator and advocate.
Q: How often will the case manager visit me after the
initial assessment?
A: The case manager will contact you in
person or by telephone periodically to make sure that the care plan
that was designed for you is still meeting your needs. You will be
given a telephone number to contact the case manager to report
changes in your health or living arrangements.
Back
