Care Managers: Common Misconceptions

Hiring a care manager for your loved one can be life-changing for family caregivers and seniors alike. But certain misconceptions may stop families from reaching out and getting the help they deserve.

Care managers are there to inspire hope, offer guidance, and be a constant source of support for both seniors and caregivers. Despite their tireless efforts, many unhelpful beliefs and myths about care managers still persist, distorting people’s understanding of this incredible career.

Today we will address the various misconceptions surrounding senior care managers, shedding a more positive light on the profession and senior care management as a whole.

Top 5 Misconceptions about Senior Care Managers

Let’s jump right into the top five most common misconceptions associated with Care Managers.

Senior Care Takes Away Independence

One of the most common misconceptions about care management is also one of the most damaging. It is the belief that senior care management forces seniors to give up their freedom. But in actuality, it’s the contrary; senior care managers are there to help their clients live as independently as possible.

Care managers help families and seniors adapt to the various challenges that threaten independent living, such as chronic conditions and health difficulties. Through their dedication and advocacy, many senior clients are able to age in their homes and maintain their independence for much longer than they would be able to otherwise.

Care Managers Only Work for Nursing Homes

Aged care and home care pair wonderfully, and care managers love to help their clients stay in the comfort of their homes for as long as they can. Many families consider nursing homes a last resort and are relieved to discover that with the appropriate care and services, their loved one’s health is far more manageable than they thought. This means that with the right care management team, senior loved ones can continue living at home while still having their needs met and their health monitored.

Care Services Are Expensive

Senior care costs money like any other service, but it is less expensive than you might think. Many families have tight budgets, relying on their aging loved one’s pension or savings to cover the cost of their healthcare. If you are on a budget, help is still available. You’ll find that care management is far more affordable than any assisted living facility or nursing home.

Quality care management providers want to make their services as accessible as possible. Their goal is to help seniors manage their needs as independently as possible while lightening the burden for caregivers —not to create additional stress over financials. We advise contacting care management services to discuss their price plans and insurance policies to help you determine the best option for your family.

Family Members Are the Best Care Managers

While families play a substantial role in senior health and wellness, they are only sometimes equipped for the role of a caregiver. Being a caregiver is truly a full-time position, and families often lack the time, resources, and knowledge needed to provide the best possible care for their aging loved one.

Health complications can further complicate the caregiving process, which can cause seniors to suffer as their families struggle to make the best choices for them. This is why working with a care manager makes a fundamental difference.

While many family members can make great caregivers, care managers have been adequately trained and educated to make informed decisions. These decisions are driven by facts and what is best for the client, completely removing all feelings and emotions from the decision – something many family caregivers struggle to do.

Working with a care manager makes it easier to make the most informed decisions about your loved one’s health and wellness. It also ensures that the relationship between the family and loved one remains the same instead of creating strain and resentment between the family caregiver, the aging loved one, and the rest of the family.

Care Managers Take Total Control of Seniors’ Lives

Long-term caregivers often fear that they’ll lose the ability to help their loved one if they involve a care manager. But little do they know that care managers love to collaborate with families! You know your loved one best, and your experience with them can provide invaluable information as the manager builds their custom care plan.

The point of care management is to empower you as a caregiver, and your senior loved one as an independent individual. Care managers will help relieve some of the responsibilities you’re shouldering so you can bond with your loved one outside of caregiving. Your wants and those of your loved one will always be considered, and the care manager will never act without your consent.

The Negative Impact of These Misconceptions

These common misconceptions about care managers could be the reason many families and caregivers hesitate to reach out and learn more about care management services, regardless of the benefits they’ll provide to a senior loved one.

At Reflections Management and Care, we are passionate about our clients and our incredible team of care managers who improve our clients’ lives daily. We hope that addressing these common care manager misconceptions will help everyone understand the facts behind the myths of what care managers do and care management as a profession.

Our senior home care services are designed to help seniors and their families thrive no matter where they are or what they need. We help families overcome caregiving struggles, manage health and medications to reduce hospitalizations, and ultimately, help our clients live fuller, happier lives.

If learning the truth behind these misconceptions made you realize that care management services may be the next step for your aging loved one, contact Reflections Management and Care today to get started.