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September 2005 Back to Table of Contents Back to Archives Main Page Section: Being Well What is a Care Manager? By Toby Laping, Ph. D., C.S.W.,
The question of what care managers do is something I’m asked all the time. I decided to pose that question and others to Kristin Surdej, a woman who works with me as a care manager. The following is my interview with her. Toby Laping: What do you do? Kristin Surdej: Geriatric care management is a specialty. We help people understand and use maximally the many services available to older people. It’s our job to make sure the needs of our clients are met as well as can be done. We are dedicated to providing the high quality professional and knowledgeable service on which our reputation is built. Personal services with a focus on continuity of care is our commitment. Putting the client and his or her family at ease is just a part of what we do. We keep up to date on the services available in the community. Networking is key. Knowing how to access services and having some understanding of the regulations which govern them is also essential. I see our service as an alternative to community services offered by local town and county case managers, or social workers affiliated with institutions like hospitals and long term care facilities. We are an objective third party with no affiliation to any service provider. It’s our job to objectively select the most suitable programs for each client; that’s what everyone deserves and what our clients expect. When appropriate, we encourage the use of community services and we regularly look for cost effective options. TL: Do you like what you do? KS: I consider myself fortunate to truly enjoy my work. It is rewarding to make a difference in the lives of others, often when they are in a time of crisis. I am amazed how frequently a family member expresses sincere gratitude or relief that we are involved, particularly when they are often paying for our services. TL: How do people pay you for service? KS: I believe it is a misconception to think that our services are only accessible to the wealthy. Not so. Many clients — or those who advocate on their behalf such as family, attorneys or friends — use us on a consultation basis or for an assessment-as-needed. Therefore, costs are minimum. Others find themselves in a “spend down” to Medicaid situation and pay us out of that “spend down.” Many long term care insurances pay for us as well. TL:What is your background? KS: Born and raised this area, I watched family members deal with such elder care issues as home health care, hospice, dementing illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and placement at various levels of care. I went to State University at Buffalo and took the classes to see what gerontology was all about. The courses clicked with me and I found a field that fit. I have ten years of experience as a private geriatric care manager. I am licensed as a social worker by New York State, and am nationally certified as a case manager. I also am a certified court evaluator in guardianship cases. I am active in several professional organizations and since 2002, I have served on the Board of the Network on Aging of Western New York. TL: Any closing advice? KS: Being a well informed consumer puts one in the best position to maximize the benefits of the health and long term care systems. Use resources available to you, whether they are private, community or internet. Our website has information and links to additional useful information to help you become an educated consumer. Visit: www.wnycaremanager.com or www.tobylapingassociates.com. back to top back to table of contents Current Issue | About Forever Young | Where to Find | Advertise | Our Advertisers | Community Calendar | Contest | Clubs | Contact Us | Archives | Home |
