Whether your background is in nursing, social work, psychology or another human services field, a career (or second career) in care management offers unique opportunities. Unlike a nursing or social work position in a hospital or other facility, a care management job usually offers flexible or part-time hours and the freedom to make one’s own schedule. Some care managers choose to start with a small caseload and build up over time. Others, especially those just starting out in their careers, prefer a busier schedule from the start and then scale back later in life.
Care managers provide services in the client’s home, wherever that may be. These face-to-face visits give the care manager the chance to get to know the client and understand his/her individual needs and preferences. Grace, a nurse who left a busy hospital environment to become a care manager, gave this description: “It’s gratifying to know that I’m making a difference and helping my clients improve their quality of life on all levels. Most of my clients are aging at home and want to stay at home. I help them find the right home care services, address their social needs, and monitor how things are going. If the time comes that they do need to move to a long-term care facility, I can help them and their families through the transition.”
Care managers become adept at learning about the federal, state, and community resources available for their clients. Over time and with experience, care managers attain a wealth of knowledge to assist clients and their families, whether it’s helping clients with enrollment in benefits programs, guidance in choosing companion/homemaker or home health services, or finding respite care or support groups. The care manager can also provide support, education, and direction to family members. “Each person and family I interact with has different needs,” said Grace. “For example, it can be difficult for family members to understand why their father, who has early Alzheimer’s disease, is showing personality changes. I’m educating them on what to expect and the resources available to them in the community. We’re also looking at the services that are needed to keep Dad safe now, and plan for his future care too.”
For those starting out in a career as a care manager, long-term employment prospects are excellent. There is already a shortage of geriatric care experts from different disciplines. The growing number of aging Baby Boomers is projected to increase the demand for geriatric care and care management services for years to come.
As an objective third party, care managers can help families resolve conflict and issues concerning care for an aging loved one or a family member with disabilities. They are proactive problem-solvers and their work makes a difference. Sound interesting? Want to learn more? If interested please contact Brittany Fortmayer, HR Recruiter, by phone at 228-467-5900, or via e-mail at info@www.givingtreeseniorcareoptions.com. You can review our careers page on our web site at http://www.givingtreeseniorcareoptions.com/careers/
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