Care management is a service that assists members and their families during times of transition or hardship. Our overall goal is to empower people with MS to live independently while maintaining their greatest potential for emotional and physical well-being.
Care managers can help you:
- Reach out to community resources for additional services and assistance
- Prioritize your needs and organize various aspects of your life
- Identify a plan for long-term care
- Be an advocate for yourself with your health-care provider or other social services
With appropriate supports in place, our members feel more empowered to move forward and take charge of directing their care and setting goals.
Who are care managers?
Care management services can be provided in two ways. Members who are in need of resource coordination and have access to other supports will be coached and assisted by the chapter’s clinical staff. Chapter staff will work with you month-to-month to help you achieve the goals that you identify.
If you have multiple needs, chapter staff will refer you to an affiliated social worker. This social worker will probably visit you at home and work one-on-one with you and your family to help you achieve the goals that you identify.
When is care management needed?
Care management is a cooperative effort between the care manager, person living with MS and chapter. Each member takes an active role in setting and achieving goals and contacting resources. In all care management cases, each member or their designated family member makes the decisions regarding care or services. The care manager and the chapter help each member to make informed decisions, assess needs, identify resources and options and secure needed services.
Reasons some might consider care management:
- Recent decrease in mobility/exacerbation of other MS symptoms
- Social isolation
- Depression, anxiety (excessive worry), other mental health issues
- Significant cognitive issues
- Recent significant decline in financial status
- Disruption of the family (marital conflict, parenting/childcare issues)
- Inadequate medical care
- Transition into residential facility or back into community
- Need more resources at home for personal care, child care, meal preparation, etc.
- Inadequate housing or problems with accessibility in your home
- Feeling overwhelmed (person with MS or family member)
A Consent to Services form must be completed and submitted to the chapter before any assistance can be provided.