In this guide discover the differences between case and care managers and what is involved in their roles. Find out what their daily responsibilities include and how the two professions overlap.
We are also going to cover which is best for you and how to find the right help for rehabilitation and recovery. Navigate through the post by clicking on a topic:
- The differences between case and care managements
- What is care management?
- What is the role of a case manager?
- Care management vs case management – which is best for my recovery?
- How case management can help in care transition
- Why case management is important for setting goals in your care plan
First, here is an outline of the main differences between care and case management…
The differences between case management and care management
Although these professions have similar concepts, there are some notable differences which set them apart.
Firstly, the term case management has been around for longer and is a more established approach to rehabilitation.
Secondly, it is a little broader than care management and involves a wider variety of tasks. Care management is solely focused on the care of the patient and creating a smooth transition between different treatments and stages of care.
Case management focuses on rehabilitation and recovery as a whole, bringing all the aspects together to create one successful journey. It can include organising the care plan and many other aspects of recovery.
Finance, legal advice, medical help, education and work re-introduction are all aspects of this profession and are a big part of what we do at AJCM.
We don’t just focus on the injury, but everything that it affects and how we can overcome any struggles you or your family are facing. Care management has a more specific focus on the injury and not necessarily the wide variety of responsibilities that need to be handled around it.
These are the main differences, but keep reading to discover the daily responsibilities of care and case management…
What is care management?
This role involves coordinating the medical side of rehabilitation. From hospital appointments, specialist treatment and location transitions.
The focus is on improving the quality of medical care and making sure the treatment is appropriate and that the conditions meet a certain standard.
Some examples of tasks might include:
- Home visits to monitor living conditions and patient progress
- Making sure the care meets legal and medical requirements
- Making sure the patient is aware of their rights and that they are being met
- Offering advice or information to the patient and their support network
- Providing insights into how care could be improved
The role usually work with a specific group of people, rather than it varying from patient to patient. This could include the elderly, children, those with physical disabilities or those with a mental illness.
What is the role of a case manager?
This profession is a broader term that covers a wide variety of recovery options. It involves the planning, delivery and analysis of rehabilitation and continuously evolves throughout the recovery plan.
In this industry, professionals are constantly measuring productivity and success to improve the rehabilitation process. Not only does this allow patients to achieve the most successful recovery possible, but it is also to make sure they are happy and healthy along the way.
Their everyday role may include some of the tasks involved in care management, as well as:
- Planning the time frame of recovery and ensuring it is carried out in a productive and timely manner
- Aid patients and family members in important decision making
- Liaise with medical staff and other professionals involved to create effective working relationships
- Offer financial advice around rehabilitation for the short and long term
- Provide support and encourage patients to get involved with their local community or hobbies that they are passionate about
- Ensure the patient has a stable support network that is informed on how they can help
- Analyse the patients emotional well being and find solutions to motivate them through recovery
Now you know the differing roles of these two occupations, there may be one question you still don’t have the answer to… which is best for you or your loved one? Keep reading to find our advice on finding a professional for your rehabilitation…
Care management vs case management – which is best for my recovery?
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, it is important to find the right help as soon as possible. A case manager is professionally trained and specialises in arranging care, seeking the right medical treatment and minimising stress of the patient throughout.
Although care managers may be involved in the recovery journey and aid with medical treatment, there are many steps before getting to this stage that you may need support with.
A case manager brings all of these aspects together and logically incorporates them into a tailored care plan. They pre-empt any risk or set backs and plan solutions to work around them.
Continuous emotional support for the patient and their family is a vital task involved in the role. Their skilled input makes recovery less stressful and ensures the patient is the number one priority throughout.
We recommend seeking a case manager to aid you in a smooth recovery. Keep reading to see how we can help you and how we’ve changed the lives of those we’ve worked with…
How case management can help in your care transition
This addition to your rehabilitation plan can make a huge difference throughout your recovery journey. From assisting you with a diagnosis to supporting you back into social activities when rehabilitation has been completed.
The most difficult parts of rehabilitation can be the care transitions. This could involve being introduced to a medical centre, transitioning to a different ward, being discharged from hospital or meeting with different medical professionals.
There are many aspects that need to be supported during these transitions, such as physical and emotional wellbeing.
Case managers ensure everything is in place and that everyone is on the same page, including the experts providing the help and friends and family.
Another important part of case and care, is setting goals. This is a vital aspect of all rehabilitation plans. Keep reading to find how and why goals need to be set…
Why case management is so important for care plan goals in rehabilitation
Although these two occupations may have their differences, they both believe in the importance of setting goals.
Setting goals throughout rehabilitation is important for many reasons, such as:
- To find out what the patient wants to get out of their rehabilitation
- To discuss the emotional well being of a patient and find out how they feel about rehabilitation
- To measure the success of rehabilitation and find out which aspects are working and which need improvements
- To maintain motivation
- Bring focus to rehabilitation and allow the patient to work towards a specific task
- Allows the patient to celebrate achievements and milestones
Building a bright future and achieving your milestones throughout rehabilitation
As you can see, care and case management have their similarities and differences. At their core, they are both there to support you throughout rehabilitation and help you achieve your milestones.
No-one should face recovery alone, which is why we are there every step of the way. Get in touch today if you want to speak to an expert about finding the right support for your injury or a loved ones.
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