Care Manager Checklist

By Toghers

A Care Manager is a professional who can help determine what care is needed for a care recipient, and what options exist to provide that care. When considering a Care Manager, this checklist may help you to thoroughly consider what you need and what questions you should ask each candidate.

Questions to consider about your needs:

• Do you need a Care Manager with a particular specialty?
  • Nursing for highly medical situations
  • Experience with dementia
  • Experience evaluating and finding long term care
  • Experience making home safety recommendations
• What kind of personality will work best with you and your care recipient?
  
  • Someone who is flexible and offers several options
  • Someone who will take charge and establish boundaries and guidelines
  • Someone who will gently guide rather than strongly push
• How do you prefer to receive information?
  
  • Telephone calls
  • Emails
  • In person
• Do you prefer to work with one dedicated person or a team of professionals?
• Do you want separate agencies for Care Manager and home care services?

Questions to ask potential Care Managers:

• Is someone available 24 hours a day?
• Will I have a Care Manager assigned exclusively to my case?
• How long has this person been involved in elder care?
• How long have they been providing care management locally?
• Are they willing to communicate with you using your preferred method?
• Do they offer an opportunity for you to meet them before you have any obligation?
• Does the agency also provide home care services?
• If yes (and you are in need of home care services), how much of the oversight of the home care providers is included in the cost of the care provider and how much is charged by the Care Manager?
• Are they able to provide references from current or former clients?
• Are they affiliated with a particular home care agency or long term care provider?

Fees:

• How do you charge for your time?
  • Hourly rate:
  • Flat rate:
• How are hours tracked?
• Are there any additional fees?
• Am I charged more for after hour needs or emergencies?

General Policy questions:

• How do you bill for services?
• Is a deposit required?
• Will I receive a written summary and/or assessment?
• Can I meet potential Care Managers before I make a decision?
• Can I request a different Care Manager if I am not satisfied with the one assigned to my case?

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