How to choose the right case manager for your Court of Protection case?

In many Court of Protection cases involving brain injury or complex care needs, appointing the right case manager can play an important role in supporting rehabilitation and long-term wellbeing. Case managers often work alongside Court of Protection solicitors, deputies, therapists and families to ensure that the client’s care, rehabilitation and day-to-day support are properly coordinated. 

In a recent discussion around the role of case managers when working alongside a Court of Protection deputy, with Helen Goddard, Senior Brain Injury Case Manager at Head First, we explored the factors to be considered when selecting a case manager. The video below is a short except from the full interview and is focused on things to consider when choosing a case manager for your Court of Protection case:

Why choosing the right case manager for your Court of Protection case matters? 

Case managers often sit at the centre of a client’s rehabilitation and support network. They may be responsible for coordinating: 

• rehabilitation therapies 

• support workers and care teams 

• communication between professionals 

• practical aspects of daily living 

• long-term rehabilitation goals. 

Because of this central role, selecting a case manager who understands the client’s needs and can work effectively with the wider team is essential. Court of Protection deputies and solicitors may also rely on the case manager’s input when making decisions about funding care, rehabilitation programmes or long-term planning.

What to look for when appointing a case manager?

1. Suitable clinical experience

 Case managers often come from a range of professional backgrounds, including: 

• occupational therapy 

• physiotherapy 

• social work 

• psychology 

• nursing 

The most appropriate background may depend on the client’s specific needs. For example, where rehabilitation is a major focus, a therapist such as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist may be particularly suitable. Where issues around funding, care services or transition to adulthood are involved, a social work background may be helpful. 

2. Ability to build trust and a rapport 

A CV may demonstrate professional experience and qualifications, but building trust and rapport with the client and their family is equally important. Clients are more likely to engage with rehabilitation and follow professional guidance when they feel comfortable with the person supporting them. Communication style and personality can play a significant role in effective case management. Rapport can sometimes develop through shared interests or a communication style that suits the client. This connection can help create a level of trust that makes it easier to navigate difficult conversations about rehabilitation, independence or future planning. 

3. An understanding of the legal process  

When a claim is in litigation, it is essential that a case manager understands the legal process and that they can work with litigators and a deputy. Understanding the process, and everyone’s role, can assist to support the client to move through the process of a claim.  

4. Consider the clients age and family dynamics  

The circumstances of each client can also influence which case manager may be most suitable. For example, where the client is a child or young person, there may be additional considerations involving parents or guardians. As young clients grow older, their views about independence may differ from those of their families. In some cases, this can create tension within the family unit and it is important that the case manager has sufficient skill and experience to navigate conversations.  

5. Experience working with clients who lack capacity  

In Court of Protection cases, many clients may lack capacity to make certain decisions about their finances or care. It is therefore important that the case manager has: 

• experience working with clients who lack capacity 

• access to professional supervision 

• strong links with multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams 

• the ability to collaborate with Court of Protection deputies and solicitors. 

Supporting someone who may not fully understand finances or decision-making requires patience, communication and a collaborative approach. 

6. Ability to collaborate with a wider team 

Case managers rarely work alone. They must communicate regularly with: 

• Court of Protection deputies 

• solicitors 

• therapists 

• support workers 

• families. 

A strong case manager will be comfortable working within a multidisciplinary team, sharing information and seeking advice where necessary. This collaborative approach ensures the best outcomes for a client.  

Learn more about what a typical day looks like for a case manager, when working with CoP clients.

Conclusion 

Choosing the right case manager is an important step in ensuring that individuals receive coordinated and effective support. While qualifications and professional experience are important, the ability to build trust, communicate effectively and work collaboratively with families and other professionals, is equally valuable. 

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 4060.