Balancing Care and Autonomy: Effective Communication Strategies for Elder Care

This presentation focuses on empowering case managers to effectively guide families through the complexities of elder care decision-making. Often, these discussions are delayed due to emotional resistance, as elders fear losing autonomy, while families are concerned about safety following observed changes in the elder’s physical or mental health. The challenges are further compounded by the burden of care and competing priorities such as finances, time constraints, and geographical distance.

This session explores the intersection of leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence in managing elder care discussions. Through case studies, participants will learn strategies to address common challenges, with a focus on an elder care assessment tool designed to facilitate meaningful family conversations. The session highlights motivational interviewing techniques, ethical considerations, and resilience-building strategies for case managers, aligning with the CCMC Code of Professional Conduct. Emphasis will be on managed care, value-based programs, social determinants of health, and practical tools for case managers to use in navigating complex elder care decisions.