With the developing cost of living crisis seeing costs soaring across the board, case managers are realising the scale of the task they face – not just in meeting client care costs now, but particularly in forecasting for the future in making sure their needs are catered for.
This can prove problematic when a client’s settlement contains a finite amount of resources, and a significant rise in costs makes the longevity of covering these increases concerning – indeed, many case managers are reporting the pressure this puts on both them as professionals and on clients and families too.
But for StanleySmith Case Management – recently named best small case management company at the CMSUK Awards 2022 – their proactive approach is coming to the fore and their commitment to clients has meant this matter has been a priority for them for some time.
“We try to be really responsive and proactive, not just reactive to situations, so we have been considering the implications of the cost of living crisis for our clients and their care,” says Heidi Stanley, co-founder of StanleySmith.
“We need to keep a close eye on how much things cost and then cost things appropriately – to under-cost is not helpful for anyone.
“If case managers are costing on previous prices or experience, then there might be a shortfall in this climate. That is something that has been on a radar for a little while now.”
While the exact scale of cost increases is unknown, the outlook is certainly challenging – and forecasting accordingly is crucial for StanleySmith.
“We are forecasting to solicitors and deputies and have to make sure we are responsive and up to date with the latest costs and price increases,” says co-founder Nikki Smith.
“There is still some pressure to try and keep costs down, which we totally understand, but we have to balance that with what the client needs and cost it appropriately.
“We’re making sure we are budgeting correctly and communicate those to the deputy or solicitor, so they have a very clear picture of what the client will need. We need to factor in carers’ rates going up, they have been rising probably since spring, but also things like the rising energy prices.”
Heidi adds: “We work with a lot of clients who have very complex medical needs, whose care needs a lot of resources which need to be sustained, and that will increase energy costs.
“We carry out an immediate needs report as to what clients need – from medical equipment to an Apple watch, which we find can help some of our clients with cognitive function, everything is going up in price.
“We have to keep pace with this, as doing so is crucial to the service we provide to clients.
“We’re always trying to plan for every eventuality, so are making some plans for what would happen in the event of a power cut, given the potential of that this winter. We are very forward-thinking so are keeping on top of what we need to be thinking about.”
The need to keep up with the changing situation is also something that can challenge the team in the preparation of their reports – but directors Heidi and Nikki are on-hand to assist.
“Our colleagues are really experienced, they all have more than ten years’ experience, so they know what they are doing – but Nikki and I are still there to help with the costing if needed, so we get it right,” says Heidi.
“Our reports are all proofread and subject to clinical review, so if any costs have been put in there which aren’t quite right, we would pick that up. We have a big focus on quality and supporting our case managers so they’re supported in their roles, including in fast-changing situations like this.”
And while it is known for delivering a client-centric service, StanleySmith is also well known for its support of its team. That also extends to helping where it can in the challenging economic climate.
“We always do what we can to help, we known this is a very challenging time for so many people, our team included,” says Nikki.
“For example, there is now the need to see some carer documentation in person again, so we are trying to make it cost effective for the carer to come to the office by seeing if we can cover their mileage.
“We’re trying to tweak little things like this, which can make a difference to the lives of people in our team and those we work with. We’ll always do our best to do the best for everyone.”
