How to Be Long Term Care Case Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 11, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

As the population ages, the need for long term care services has increased dramatically. Consequently, the demand for experienced Long Term Care Case Managers is growing rapidly. These professionals are responsible for coordinating care services for individuals in need of long-term care, such as those with chronic illnesses or disabilities.

They assess the needs of the client, develop a plan of care, collaborate with family members and other healthcare providers, and coordinate services necessary to meet the clients needs. By doing this, they are able to help ensure that clients receive the best quality care possible and remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. Long Term Care Case Managers make a huge difference in the lives of those in need of long-term care services.

Steps How to Become

Obtain an Undergraduate Degree. The first step to becoming a Long Term Care Case Manager is to obtain an undergraduate degree in a relevant field, such as social work, nursing, psychology, or health care administration. Most employers will require an associate's degree or bachelor's degree.
Obtain Work Experience. Many employers prefer applicants with some work experience in the long term care field. This could include experience in home health care, hospice care, assisted living facilities, or even long term care facilities.
Consider Certification. Although it is not always required, obtaining certification as a Long Term Care Case Manager can be beneficial. Certifications are offered by various organizations such as the American Case Management Association (ACMA) and the National Board for Certification in Long Term Care (NBC-LTC).
Obtain Licensure. Depending on the state you are located in, you may need to obtain licensure to practice as a Long Term Care Case Manager. Licensing requirements vary by state but usually require passing an exam and completing a set number of hours of supervised clinical experience.
Build a Network. It is important to build a network of contacts in the long term care field. This could include other case managers, physicians, social workers, and administrators. Having a strong network can help you find job opportunities and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.

The role of a Long-Term Care Case Manager is critical in providing reliable, quality care to those who need it. To do this, the Case Manager must have a deep understanding of the complexities of long-term care, as well as an ability to provide effective communication and coordination between all involved parties. They must be able to develop plans that meet the needs of both the individual and their family and also be able to assess and monitor progress.

Furthermore, they must be knowledgeable about legal and financial issues, as well as social and medical resources that can assist the individual. As a result, a qualified and capable Long-Term Care Case Manager is essential for providing successful, reliable care that can ensure optimal outcomes for the individual.

You may want to check Home Care Case Manager, Utilization Review Case Manager, and Substance Abuse Case Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Assess patient care needs and develop individualized care plans for long-term care patients
Monitor patient progress and adjust care plans as needed
Maintain accurate and complete patient records
Coordinate care with other health professionals, such as physicians, nurses, and therapists
Consult with families and other care providers to ensure quality care
Educate patients and their families about long-term care services and options
Develop discharge plans and provide follow-up care for discharged patients
Develop and maintain relationships with community resources to support patient needs
Facilitate communication between the patient and their healthcare team
Monitor and document patient outcomes to evaluate the effectiveness of care plans

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to long-term care.
Ability to assess and evaluate the needs of long-term care clients and create individualized care plans.
Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written form.
Ability to maintain accurate records and produce timely reports.
Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with clients, family members, and other service providers.
Knowledge of medical terminology and treatments.
Ability to effectively coordinate services between a variety of providers.
Knowledge of community resources for long-term care clients.
Ability to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of services and care plans.
Ability to advocate for clients and ensure their rights are respected.

A successful Long Term Care Case Manager should possess a variety of skills, but the most important one is the ability to assess and manage a patient's needs. This involves assessing the patient's current health condition, determining their long-term care goals, and developing and implementing a comprehensive care plan. The case manager must be able to assess the medical, social, financial, and other resources available to the patient in order to develop a comprehensive plan of care.

They must also be able to coordinate with other health care professionals, such as physicians, nurses, and therapists, to ensure the highest quality of care is provided. they must be knowledgeable of the laws and regulations surrounding long-term care and be able to advocate for the patient in order to help them receive the care they need. By possessing these skills, a Long Term Care Case Manager can successfully identify and address the needs of their patients, ensuring that their patients receive the best possible care.

Case Manager Assistant, Telephonic Case Manager, and Case Analyst are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in long term care?
What challenges have you faced when working with elderly or disabled clients?
How would you assess the needs of a client to determine an appropriate care plan?
Describe your approach to problem-solving in difficult situations.
How would you go about creating a safe and comfortable environment for those in your care?
What strategies do you use to foster positive relationships with clients and their families?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in long-term care?
What techniques do you use to ensure that clients are receiving the best possible care?
How do you handle complaints or disagreements from clients or their families?
What systems do you use to monitor and evaluate the progress of each case?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Health Record (EHR) System. A comprehensive, computerized health record system used to store and manage patient data. (e. g. Epic, Cerner)
Coordinated Care Plan. A plan that outlines the goals, services, and resources needed to provide quality health care for a patient. (e. g. MyCarePlan)
Risk Assessment Tool. A tool used to identify and assess risks related to the health and wellbeing of a patient. (e. g. LTCRiskTool)
Care Management Software. Software used to manage the organization, coordination, and delivery of long-term care services. (e. g. CareManager)
Communication Platforms. Platforms that allow for communication and coordination between providers, caregivers, families, and patients. (e. g. Skype, Zoom)
Scheduling Software. Software used to manage patient appointments and other healthcare-related activities. (e. g. MediFlex)
Data Analysis Tools. Tools used to analyze data related to long-term care services, such as utilization and cost. (e. g. Tableau, SPSS)
Documentation Software. Software used to create, store, and share patient records and other case management documents. (e. g. DocuSign, eForms)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association for Long Term Care Insurance (AALTCI)
National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC)
National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL)
American Health Care Association (AHCA)
National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information
Society of Certified Senior Advisors (SCSA)
Health Care Association of America (HCAA)
American Society on Aging (ASA)
National Council on Aging (NCOA)
National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM)

We also have Case Worker, Insurance Case Manager, and Case Consultant jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF). A medical facility that provides skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services to individuals who require more intense medical care and attention than can be provided at home.
Assisted Living Facility (ALF). A residential care facility that provides personal care services, such as assistance with activities of daily living, to individuals who cannot live independently.
Home Health Care. Healthcare services provided in the patient's home, such as physical therapy and nursing visits.
Hospice. End-of-life care and support for those facing terminal illness and their families.
Long-term Care Insurance. Insurance policies designed to cover the costs of long-term care services.
Medicaid. A government-funded health insurance program for individuals with low incomes or who are elderly or disabled.
Medicare. A government-funded health insurance program for individuals over the age of 65 or those with certain disabilities.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Medical equipment that can be used for an extended period of time, such as wheelchairs and hospital beds.
Chronic Illness. A long-term, ongoing medical condition that cannot be cured, such as diabetes or heart disease.
Transition. The process of transitioning from one type of care to another, such as from home health care to a nursing home or from a nursing home back to home health care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Long Term Care Case Manager?

A Long Term Care Case Manager is a professional who assists elderly or disabled individuals with obtaining services and resources necessary to meet their long-term care needs. The Case Manager assesses the individual's needs and makes recommendations for services that will help them achieve their goals.

What responsibilities does a Long Term Care Case Manager have?

A Long Term Care Case Manager is responsible for assessing the individual's needs, providing information and resources to help them meet those needs, coordinating services from multiple providers, advocating for the individual and their interests, monitoring progress and outcomes, and providing support and guidance throughout the process.

What qualifications are necessary to become a Long Term Care Case Manager?

A Long Term Care Case Manager must possess a college degree in social work, counseling, gerontology or a related field. Additionally, they must be knowledgeable of relevant laws and regulations and maintain up-to-date certifications in the field.

What is the average salary for a Long Term Care Case Manager?

The average annual salary for a Long Term Care Case Manager is approximately $45,000.

What organizations employ Long Term Care Case Managers?

Long Term Care Case Managers may be employed by private agencies, non-profits, hospitals, nursing homes or other organizations that provide long-term care services.