Care Managers and Specialty Care Managers A care manager is a provider who assesses the needs of their clients and then creates a personalized care plan. They will ensure that all providers are engaged and have the most up to date care information. They collaborate with clients' families, friends and caretakes to effectively share and manage information. The care managers continually develop a network of quality providers and keep accurate records. They also help link clients with community programs and entitlements, such as community services or Medicaid discount programs.
A specialty care manager assesses the need of their clients and creates personalized care plans that work best for their specific needs. Understanding the client's disability is very important to these managers because each disability is different and each person has different strengths and challenges. They must ensure that all medical, physical, behavioral and speech providers are involved and up to date with treatment and care plans. The specialty care manager must continually develop a network of quality providers and keep accurate records. They link clients to community programs and entitlements, including events for the disabled and assistive technology.
A care plan assessment includes the following:
Interviewing the client and family to determine their goals.
Providing client and family education.
Reviewing financial, legal, or medical issues and referring clients to experts.
Identifying agencies and/or social services and other programs that the client can access.
Providing crisis intervention if needed.
The care plan includes the following:
Screening, arranging and monitoring in-home help.
Acting as a liaison to families at a distance.
Assisting with moving their clients to or from different care settings.
Visiting clients on a regular, routine basis to make sure they are safe, doing well, eating properly, and taking needed medications.
Making necessary medical appointments and assuring the client gets to them.
Monitoring the client’s finances and paying bills.
