When is the best time to appoint a case manager?

Ideally the case manager will be appointed whilst the individual is still in formal rehabilitation, as this will ensure a continuity of services into the home and community setting. Indeed in many very complex cases the case manager is likely to be the key professional in developing services to get the individual discharged home and settled in the community.

Unfortunately, however, funding may not be readily available in the early days and the appointment of the case manager is delayed, leaving a client with inadequate rehabilitation and the family with limited support.

Case management is not synonymous with crisis management, and whilst we are prepared to assist with crisis intervention, it is always best to appoint the case manager before a crisis situation is reached, so that proactive steps can be taken to prevent emergency situations from arising.