What is the role of a case manager when working alongside a Court of Protection appointed deputy

When someone lacks capacity to manage their finances, a range of professionals may become involved in their life to support them. In many cases, this includes both a Court of Protection appointed deputy, and a specialist case manager. 

The video below is an excerpt from an interview with Helen Goddard, Senior Brain Injury Case Manager at Head First, in which Emma Tante, Partner in our Court of Protection team, explores how case managers support individuals who lack capacity and how their work interlinks with the role of a deputy so that a client is supported as best as possible. 

What is a Case Manager? 

A case manager is a professional who is often instructed by a deputy to help coordinates the care, rehabilitation and support of individuals with complex needs. 

Many case managers come from clinical or care backgrounds such as: 

• Occupational therapy
• Physiotherapy 
• Psychology 
• Social work 
• Nursing 

A clinical background allows a Case Manager to understand both the medical and practical challenges faced by people with brain injuries or other conditions affecting mental capacity. From our experience working with case managers in Court of Protection matters, their role often sits at the centre of a wider rehabilitation team. Find out more about what a Court of Protection case manager does on a day-to-day basis.

Why are Case Managers instructed?  

Case management support is particularly important to support individuals with: 

• Physical rehabilitation  
• Planning and organising daily activities 
• Decision-making 
• Attending appointments 
• Managing therapy programmes 
• Understanding the purpose of rehabilitation 
• Social participation  
• Education and employment  
• Family support needs  

In these situations, case managers help ensure that support is structured and coordinated effectively. This level of coordination can be essential where a client finds planning or organisation difficult. Needs can also change over time and so a case manager therefore regularly reviews progress and adapt care and support to reflect new challenges or goals. The client is always at the centre of the work that a case manager will do.

One of the most significant aspects of case management is coordinating multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams. Clients may be supported by a number of professionals, including: 

• Occupational therapists 
• Physiotherapists 
• Speech and language therapists 
• Psychologists 
• Support workers 
• Statutory care services 

Case managers help ensure that these professionals are working together and toward shared goals to support the client. They then report back to the deputies who will ensure that the client is receiving good value for money from their team, and that their team is aligned with the individuals wishes about how their funds should be spent.

Working With Court of Protection Deputies 

Case managers do not work in isolation. A deputy will often work alongside case managers to provide both financial protection and practical support for vulnerable individuals. In many cases they collaborate closely with the deputy for many years to support the client to achieve their goals.  

This collaboration may involve: 

• Discussing funding for therapy or care packages 
• Planning and supporting rehabilitation goals 
• Planning and supporting financial goals  
• Supporting independence in areas such as budgeting or daily living 
• Ensuring care arrangements reflect the client’s abilities and preferences 
• Supporting a client to make their own decision as far as possible  
• Supporting family to input on decision making where appropriate 
• Addressing any safeguarding concerns and assessing risks.  

No two clients are the same. Case managers tailor their approach based on factors such as: 

• The client’s injury or condition 
• Cognitive abilities 
• Family circumstances 
• Stage of rehabilitation 
• Personal goals. 

For some clients, the focus may be on intensive rehabilitation. For others, it may be supporting independence and community participation longer term.

Conclusion 

Case managers play a central role in supporting individuals who lack capacity. By coordinating rehabilitation teams, monitoring progress and helping individuals navigate everyday challenges. When combined with the legal oversight provided by a deputy, collaborative approach helps ensure that individuals receive both the legal protection and practical support they need. 

We regularly work alongside case managers, rehabilitation professionals and families to ensure individuals receive the practical support they need. To speak with a member of our Court of Protection team, please send your enquiry to mail@anthonygold.co.uk or call us on 020 7940 4000.