To ensure the smooth running of a hospice and make sure that all patients are receiving the highest quality of care and their wishes are always respected, a case manager acts as the central point of contact between hospice patients and their families.
You can think of case managers as the bridge that connects the patients, their families and healthcare providers. They bring a blend of clinical expertise, as most times they’re registered nurses, and compassionate care.
The Duties of a Case Manager
A day in the life of a case manager at the hospice will vary depending on the patient’s needs, but the ultimate goal at the end of the day is to ensure that the patient is receiving the appropriate care they need and that the care team is meeting any challenges faced head-on.
- Initial assessment and care planning. When you or a loved one first enters into hospice, a case manager along with other members of the care team like doctors, nurses, social workers, spiritual advisors and therapists, will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the patients physical, emotional, spiritual and psychosocial needs to create a care plan tailored to their unique needs. Throughout the patient’s hospice journey at iServe Healthcare, the case manager and the care team will regularly assess the patient’s condition and adjust the plan accordingly.
- Care coordination. Case managers are the glue that holds the team together. They will arrange for the coordination of all services that are needed for the patient. This will include services like health aides, physical therapists, dieticians, nurses and spiritual counselors. Making sure that everyone is on the same page is equally important, so case managers will act as a central point of communication between the care team, the patient, and family members.
- Patient and family support. Case managers can be advocates for their patients needs and rights, making sure their wishes are respected. They also offer support and guidance to family members, sharing tips to coping with grief, educating them on their loved one’s condition and treatments, and connecting them to the appropriate resources.
