The Importance of Care Management
Our overall well-being is determined by not just one source, but the interaction of various aspects of our environment. Our struggles are linked to our health, which is why it is crucial to address these concerns; in fact, daily hassles can trigger or even worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression and increase one’s own feelings of helplessness. The accumulation of seemingly manageable stressors in combination with those that are more severe can build up emotional exhaustion. For example, one’s struggle to find food and sober housing may be a great stressor in their life contributing to their anxiety and addiction. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) identifies 8 dimensions of wellbeing to improve in order to optimize health including: emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial, occupational, and social wellbeing. All these areas can falter when trauma, chronic illness, substance use, and negative thinking gain prevalence in one’s life.
Over the years, both the New Brunswick Counseling Center and Burlington Comprehensive Counseling have seen first-hand the impact of addressing these secondary needs. That is why NBCC and BCC have introduced a Care Management service for our clients to indulge in.
What is Care Management?
Care management is a collaborative process that involves assessing, planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating the options and services required to meet a client’s health and social needs. Our care manager acts as a primary contact and advocate for the client and coordinates the services from different providers and agencies. Care management is often used for clients with chronic or complex conditions, such as mental health and substance use, and NBCC and BCC are proud to offer it as a service to our clients.
Research has found that when the 8 dimensions of wellbeing, namely Emotional, Environmental, Financial, Intellectual, Occupational, Physical, Social, and Spiritual, are fulfilled, the personal stress of daily hassles decreases, thus giving clients more time to address the more pressing needs in their life. Care management services are provided to consumers admitted to our program and are designed to help the consumer gain access to needed treatment, medical, social, educational, vocational, housing, and other rehabilitative services or referrals.
What needs are addressed during care management assessments?
Care managers often examine one’s needs in the following sectors and more:
- Food: Care managers will work with you to provide you with a comprehensive list of food pantries in your area or help you fill out the documentation necessary to apply for food stamps.
- Housing: Referrals can be made to different sober living environments or affordable or subsidized housing options; however, please keep in mind that there is a high demand for housing, which is why there may be waitlists for these referred shelters. For those facing homelessness, it is crucial that you call 211 to find more immediate support.
- Goods: Care managers can help clients find access to affordable clothing and other specified goods that the client may request.
- Transportation: There are various transportation options available, especially for clients that are on either Medicare or Medicaid, or those who are above the age of 60. Care managers can also help clients apply for a reduced fare bus pass.
- Education and Unemployment: Clients seeking support in improving their education and career skills may be referred to various centers providing adult education, job search assistance, and career training.
- Mental health: There is a variety of mental health resources available for those seeking them. Not only are the New Brunswick Counseling Center and Burlington Comprehensive Counseling providers of mental health counseling, but we also provide referrals for support groups, camps for adolescents experiencing grief, psychiatric support, and more.
- Healthcare: Clients seeking to apply for or further understand their health insurance can be provided with further assistance with their needs from a care manager. Care managers may also aid with finding affordable health centers providing primary or dental care.
- Money: Care managers are also equipped with several resources to help those seeking assistance in paying for utilities and rent.
- Legal: Those in need of legal services for non-criminal issues can be met with various referrals.
If you need support, seek help from our care management team.
To refer yourself to care management fill out this form via DocuSign: https://tinyurl.com/cmnbccbccenglish
Para derivarse a la administración de la atención, complete este formulario a través de DocuSign: https://tinyurl.com/cmnbccbccspanish
For those looking to self-refer themselves to any services: https://www.findhelp.org
– Rachel Mesa
Care Management Intern
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