A Care Manager is a health and human services specialist who guides and advocates for families caring for older adults. They are educated and experienced in several related fields, including counseling, gerontology, mental health, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, or social work, with a specialized focus on aging and elder care issues.

A Care Manager assists clients in attaining their maximum functional potential. The individual’s independence is encouraged, while safety and security concerns are also addressed. Care Managers can address a wide range of issues related to their client's well-being. They also have extensive knowledge about the costs, quality, and availability of resources in their communities.

The most common services provided are the following:

• Assessing, monitoring, and updating the responsible party about a Client’s needs

• Managing crises, safety concerns, or conflicts in the Client’s life

• Advocating and coordinating for the Client’s medical concerns

• Providing support and services that preserve the Client’s independence.

• Offering activities that enhance a Client’s social support and quality of life

• Providing support and services for individuals with cognitive challenges

You may need a Care Manager if the person you are caring for:

• Has multiple medical or psychological issues

• Is unable to live safely in their current environment

• Is not pleased with current care providers and requires advocacy

• Is confused about their own financial and legal situation

• Has limited or no family support

Or if your family:

• Has just become involved with helping the individual and needs direction about available services

• Is either “burned out” or confused about care solutions

• Has limited time and/or expertise in dealing with the individual’s chronic care needs and does not live close by

• Is at odds regarding care decisions

• Needs education and/or direction in dealing with behaviors associated with dementia

• Personalized and compassionate service focused on the individual’s wants and needs.

• Continuity of care focused on coordinating communications between family members, doctors and other professionals, and service providers.

• Containment of costs that may result from inappropriate placements, duplication of services, and unnecessary hospitalizations.

• Confidence that you have the resources to make the right choices for your family.

Care and Case Managers are both professionals who work in healthcare, but they have different roles and responsibilities.

Care Manager:

• A Care Manager works in various settings, including healthcare, social services agencies, or an individual’s home.

• Their role is broad and holistic, encompassing coordination of a wide range of services beyond healthcare, such as social services, mental health support, and housing assistance.

• Care Managers assess clients' needs, develop comprehensive care plans, and coordinate services to help clients achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.

• They often work with aging clients with complex needs or facing multiple challenges.

• Care Managers may collaborate with other professionals, agencies, and community resources to ensure clients receive comprehensive support and services.

Case Manager:

• A Case Manager typically works in healthcare settings, such as hospitals or medical clinics.

• Their primary focus is on coordinating and managing the healthcare needs of patients or clients. This includes arranging medical appointments, coordinating treatments, and ensuring that patients receive appropriate care.

• Case Managers often work closely with healthcare providers, patients, and their families to develop and implement care plans tailored to the individual's needs.

• They may also support and guide patients and their families, helping them navigate the healthcare system and access community resources.

In summary, while both care managers and case managers focus on assisting individuals in accessing necessary services and support, case managers primarily concentrate on healthcare coordination within medical settings, whereas care managers have a broader scope of responsibilities that may extend beyond healthcare to include social services and other supports.