CASE MANAGEMENT
Case Management (CM) for Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is a collaborative process of assessing, planning, implementing, and coordinating services to meet an individual’s health, well-being, and occupational needs.
It involves a case manager acting as a central point of contact to help individuals and their families navigate the complex healthcare system, access necessary resources, and develop a tailored care plan to support long-term recovery and quality of life.
Thus, ensuring that your recovery & care are centralized and more unified.
Picture a Bicycle Wheel with the many Spokes emanating from the center outward. As Case Manager, I communicate with you and each party ( or wheel spoke) involved in your care, e.g., Doctor, Specialists, Rehab Team Therapists, Insurer, Lawyer, Family Members, Pharmacist, Transportation Company, Gym and other community professionals.
Thus, ensuring that your recovery & care are centralized and more unified.
Key functions of case management for ABI:
- Assessment: Evaluating the individual’s specific needs, which may include cognitive, physical, emotional, social, and vocational challenges resulting from the brain injury.
- Planning: Working with the individual and their family to create a customized, long-term care plan that addresses their present and future needs.
- Coordination: Organizing and coordinating services and communication among
multiple professionals, such as therapists, doctors, and support staff, to ensure a
seamless continuum of care. - Implementation: Putting the care plan into action, which can range from providing direct support and information to more intensive coordination of specialist care.
- Monitoring and evaluation: Continuously reviewing and updating the care plan as the individual’s needs change over time, potentially for many years.
- Support for families: Helping families navigate the challenges of caring for a loved one with an ABI, including providing resources and support to improve their own well-being.
Principles and characteristics:
- Person-centered: The care plan is built around the individual’s specific needs, strengths, and goals.
- Stepped care: The level of support can be adjusted over time, starting with the least complex care and increasing in intensity as needed.
- Long-term support: Case managers can work with individuals for their entire lives,
providing support during periods of transition or when new challenges arise. - Expertise: Case managers often have a background in health or social care and
possess specialist knowledge about brain injuries and local services.