This tip card helps families apply case management skills to…

• communicate effectively
• negotiate services
• become effective managers

Families as Managers

Skill 1: Assessment or How has the brain injury affected my family member?

• Provide information about the injury…
• Describe how the injury has affected...
• Practice replying to key questions by professionals, including….  
• Tips for describing the effects of the brain injury 

Skill 2:  Information gathering or What do I need to know?          

• Tips for gathering information
• Ask if the following affect eligibility for services and programs
• Keeping track of information…take a 3 ring binder and create sections for… 

Skill 3:   Referral or When do I need to get someone else involved?

• When you think about a referral, ask…
• Families can help make referrals effective by... 

Skill 4:   Service Coordination or How do I put this all together?

• Figure out where and how to focus your time and energy 

Skill 5:  Advocacy or How do I help others understand what is needed?

• Most common barriers families come up against that require advocacy are…
• To be an effective advocate you must… 

Skill 6:   Evaluation or Is this working?

• Evaluate programs and professionals by asking questions
• Criteria that families have used to evaluate professionals and programs 

Conclusion

References