Abstract:

Though case management is receiving considerable attention in the aging network as a means of coordinating & integrating services for elderly clients, social workers require additional data to better understand the use of this innovation. Analysis of mail questionnaires completed by 137 professionals who made referrals to a case management program in western Michigan reveal their perceptions of the program's appropriateness & adequacy in responding to the social support & physical/mental health needs of elderly clients. Stepwise regression analysis indicates that perceptions of the adequacy of staffing & the commitment of staff are the strongest correlates of the program's perceived effectiveness. Implications for social workers involved in the design & delivery of case management services are discussed.