Questions & Answers with Maria Burke, RN
Q: I’m caring for my aging Mom and starting to feel overwhelmed. At what point should I consider hiring an RN Case Manager?
A: This is one of the most common – and important – questions I hear from adult children. In short, the right time to hire an RN Case Manager is before things feel like they’re spiraling out of control.
Many families wait until there’s a crisis: a fall, a hospitalization, a confusing discharge plan, or a sudden decline in health. While RN Case Managers are incredibly valuable during emergencies, they are often even more effective when brought in earlier – when proactive planning can prevent those crises altogether.
Q: What exactly does an RN Case Manager do?
A: An RN Case Manager is a registered nurse who oversees and coordinates all aspects of a senior’s healthcare and support needs, including medical review, appointment coordination, physician communication, personalized care planning, and ongoing monitoring. Most importantly, they serve as a clinical advocate whose sole focus is the client’s well-being.
Q: Are there specific signs that suggest it’s time to bring one in?
A: Yes. These include multiple medical conditions, recent hospitalizations, medication confusion, memory loss, safety concerns, family disagreements about care, or caregiver burnout. If you’re unsure of the next step, it’s often the right time to ask for support.
Q: Can an RN Case Manager help even if my Mom is still living at home and relatively independent?
A: Absolutely. RN Case Managers help families plan ahead, identify risks early, and put supports in place so seniors can safely remain at home longer, with better outcomes and less stress.
Q: What’s the bottom line for families?
A: Hiring an RN Case Manager isn’t about giving up responsibility – it’s about gaining confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.
About Celtic Angels Inc.: Celtic Angels Inc. is a trusted provider of high-quality, in-home care services across Massachusetts. Founded and led by Maria Burke, RN, the organization offers companion care, personal care, RN Case Management, and thoughtfully integrated advanced technologies to support individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and other neurological conditions.
