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Case Management

Case Management

In accordance with Title III of the Older Americans Act, the Department distributes funds to the Area Agencies on Aging to provide the service of Case Management, which is designed to promote and support the independent living of older Iowans by helping them coordinate the home and community-based services and supports they need. By helping individuals access support in the form of home-delivered meals, health care services, emergency response systems and assistive devices, homemaker and chore services, adult day services, respite care and transportation, many can maintain their independence and "age in place" according to their wishes.

To be eligible for case management, individuals must:

  • Reside in Iowa;
  • Be 60 years of age or older;
  • Need two or more services;
  • Not live in a nursing facility or be within 30 days of discharge from a nursing facility, as defined in Iowa Code section 135C.1(13); and
  • Need case management services based on a standardized assessment of needs.

Components of Case Management

Needs Assessment

During the needs assessment, the case manager collects and documents key information about the consumer as well as his/her family, caregivers and informal supports to determine enrollment eligibility, need for ongoing case management services and appropriate level of service. This step also allows the case manager to identify barriers to care and develop a plan to address those issues.

Service Coordination

Following the needs assessment, the case manager will identify and contract with local providers who offer the types of services the individual needs to maintain long-term independence. The case manager will also assist with determining how the consumer will pay for services and offer information about programs and benefits that may be available. 

Monitoring and Evaluation

Once an individual is receiving long-term services, the case manager will stay involved to actively intervene or advocate on the consumer's behalf to resolve any problems that occur. The case manager will also continue to evaluate the individual's well-being to determine if additional services or a higher level of care is needed.

Benefits to Older Iowans

The service of case management enables active intervention and advocacy on behalf of older Iowans, helping participants access necessary services and resolve issues with service providers before a situation can escalate to the point where it adversely affects the individual's health and overall well-being. By establishing relationships with providers for the prompt and effective delivery of needed services and working with informal caregivers (family members, friends, neighbors, community groups, etc.) to coordinate and monitor the provision of home and community-based services, the program supplements natural support systems and helps prevent the premature institutionalization of frail and vulnerable older adults.