Case management. The wave of the future.

Nurses and social workers are often placed in case management positions without an understanding of the basic philosophy or skills necessary for functioning effectively in this role. While the general components of the case management process are familiar to people from both professions, the specific procedures and goals of the process are quite different from those the participants learned during their basic educational preparation. This article explores the growing need for case management and offers a plan for effective training and skills necessary for the successful case manager. It describes the effects of case management on resource allocation, on the quality of its clients' lives, and on the systems within which it operates. It provides a clear overview of the important role that the case manager plays in sustaining the independence of older persons.