When to refer to a Care Manager

Do you ever find yourself thinking that while a care manager sounds great in theory, you are never sure when to refer? Or maybe you come across some difficult questions with your clients regarding aging or mental health issues that are beyond the scope of your practice and you wonder who you could refer to that could help?  If so, the problem your client is experiencing is most likely something that a skilled aging life care professional could help solve. 

Here are some situations when referring to a care manager can help decrease your client’s anxiety:

• Your client would benefit from a high level consultation or “road map” to bring all of their moving parts together. They need both a short and long term plan based on their medical and financial picture.

• Your client comes to you with a problem that they can’t solve on their own, and they need a knowledgeable guide to point them in the right direction.

• Your client tells you that their parent has been sent to the hospital and needs immediate advocacy and next step planning.

• Your client or client’s parents have recently moved into a nursing home and need education and advice on how to best navigate the system and ensure their loved ones the highest quality of care.

• Your client has decided they want to age in place but is experiencing challenges and is in need of assistance setting up the right amount of support and planning for next steps.

We also offer a one-time high level consultation at a flat rate for those in need. We are always happy to answer any questions you or your clients might have!

Jennifer Pilz, MPT, CMC

Aging Life Care Professional