Caring for an elderly family member can be overwhelming, especially if that family member is unable to live independently. There are many important that must be made, some of which are revised on a daily basis. Caring for an elderly family member takes great commitment, and the ability to expect the unexpected. Often times, however, it becomes too much and families turn to care-giving facilities for assistance.

Since the goal is most often to keep the person at home as long as possible, thus avoiding a residential facility until absolutely necessary, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a care manager. This involves seeking the services of a professional coordinator who helps individuals remain at home or living in the residence of another family member who will assist with home care by addressing all aspects of life. These include: medical care, personal care needs, medication monitoring, home safety, and socialization.

The care manager then coordinates with doctors and other medical professionals, family members, trust officers, accountants, and other important members of the client's community. The goal of care management is to insure the client receives the necessary care while improving the overall quality of life.

There are many services offered by care management facilities. The first, which is also the first step toward acquiring the necessary home care, is a clinical interview set up between the care manager and the client. The client's family is also usually present, since various members will likely be helping with the home care process.

The second step is to set up a care plan. Here, the care manager determines both through the personal interview and consultation with the client's physician, what type of care is needed. In many cases, nurses are assigned to the client and periodically visit the home to make sure everything is okay, and to administer medication if necessary.

The care manager also consults with the family, providing instructions on when the medication should be taken, as well as the appropriate dosage. The care manager is also available to answer questions from either client or the client's family, and to seek additional medical care and advice if and when necessary. This also helps to alleviate the stress that can be caused by caring for a loved one, and will let the family be reassured that their elder is in very capable hands.