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 she/he visits
me?
A: If you are referred to a case manager,
she/he 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. She/he 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.
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