Questions to Ask Care Managers or Social Workers

Finding help for an aging parent can feel overwhelming. You want to make sure they get the best care. Care managers and social workers can guide you through tough decisions. They help connect your parent to services. But you need to ask the right questions to find the best fit.

This article gives you the questions to ask. Use them when you talk to care managers or social workers. This will help you understand their services, costs, and how they can help your situation.

Understanding Their Role and Services

Start by understanding what they do. Care managers and social workers have different roles. Some may focus on specific areas.

• What is your professional background and experience?
• Are you a certified care manager or a licensed social worker?
• How long have you been working in elder care?
• What services do you provide?
• Do you specialize in certain conditions, like dementia or chronic illness? (Talking About Dementia Care)
• Can you help me understand what resources are available in our area?
• What is your process for assessing my parent’s needs?
• How do you develop a care plan?
• What happens if my parent’s needs change over time?
• Do you provide ongoing monitoring of the care plan?
• How often do you communicate with families?
• What kind of support do you offer to caregivers, like me? (Caregivers)
• Are there services you do not provide?

Questions About Qualifications and Credentials

It is important to know if they are qualified. Ask about their licenses, certifications, and professional affiliations. This shows they meet certain standards.

• Are you licensed in this state? (For social workers, check state licensing boards. For care managers, look for certifications like CMC from the National Academy of Certified Care Managers¹.)
• What professional organizations do you belong to?
• Can you provide references from other families you have worked with?
• What is your policy on client confidentiality?
• Do you have liability insurance?
• How do you stay updated on changes in elder care laws and resources?

Asking About Their Fees and Costs

Costs are a big concern for many families. Be direct about fees. Understand how they charge for their help.

• How do you charge for your services (e.g., hourly, flat fee, retainer)?
• What is your hourly rate?
• Is there a minimum number of hours you require?
• Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?
• Do you offer a free initial consultation?
• Do you accept Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance? (Medicare Coverage Guide, Medicaid and Long-Term Care)
• If not, can you help me understand how to pay for your services? (Financial Planning for Elder Care)
• Do you have a written fee agreement?
• What is your billing cycle?

Questions About Ethics and Independence

You want someone who acts in your parent’s best interest. Ask about how they handle potential conflicts of interest.

• Do you have any financial relationships with the providers or facilities you recommend?
• How do you ensure objectivity in your recommendations?
• What is your policy on accepting gifts or incentives from providers?
• How do you handle complaints or disagreements?
• What are your ethical guidelines?

Practical Questions and Logistics

These questions cover the day-to-day aspects of working with them.

• How quickly can you start working with my family?
• What is your availability for meetings or emergencies?
• How do you prefer to communicate (phone, email, in-person)?
• What is your typical response time?
• Do you have a backup if you are unavailable?
• What is your geographic service area?
• Are you willing to visit my parent at their home, hospital, or care facility?

Questions About Advocating for Your Parent

Part of their job is to advocate for your parent. This means making sure their needs and wishes are heard.

• How do you ensure my parent’s preferences and wishes are respected?
• How do you collaborate with other healthcare professionals involved in my parent’s care?
• Can you help coordinate medical appointments?
• Will you attend medical appointments with my parent if needed?
• How do you handle disputes with medical providers or care facilities?
• Can you help navigate complex systems like Medicare benefits or Veterans benefits?

Asking these questions helps you make a confident decision. Take your time. Talk to a few different care managers or social workers. Choose the one who best meets your parent’s needs and your family’s concerns.

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