Case management: opportunities for service providers

The notion of using case managers to coordinate care and services to the elderly has become increasingly popular. Case management appears to be seen by some as the route to reform and rationalization of the financing and provision of services. Little systematic research can be cited in making claims for its organization, efficacy or efficiency, yet opinions in this regard abound. Research and demonstration projects provide some insights but few conclusions to support the rhetoric of case management. Case management principles are enunciated and program options flow from them. A case is made for flexibility of organization and sensibility of provision.