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Case Management of the Older Worker


You might be a boomer if:      

The Beatles

                                                 
  • You know why they call it "dialing" a phone
  • You researched a topic using your parents' set of encyclopedias 
  • You remember Joe Namath in pantyhose

As our case managers log in their case updates, I noticed several claimants that are baby boomers, injured in the workplace.  Stacy Mathis, RN just closed a file on an injured fireman.  His work injury involve several body parts, and his treatment planning had to take into consideration a pre-existing knee surgery and mental depression. From day one, this injured worker stated his goal was to get back to work, which he did achieve.  Jackie Cooper, RN has an ongoing file where the injured worker was just shy a few months from retiring, and will lose all benefits if she cannot complete her tenure.  

Case Management of aging employees takes into consideration these 3 key factors:
  1. Comorbidities - the older we are, the more likely we are to have other pre-existing medical issues such as hypertension, arthritis, or even gastric reflux.  Any comorbidity impacts not only the treatment administered for a work injury, but also the individual's response to treatment.  
  2. Recovery Time - due to aging, many adults have weaker muscles, decreased range of motion and flexibility, and need not only additional healing time, but also sometimes need work conditioning in order to return to their job demands.
  3. Work Ethic - on the positive side, older workers tend to have a good work ethic; a can-do attitude.  
Of these factors, I dare say work ethic is the strongest indicator of successful recovery and Return to Work. Case Managers try to work with the employer and injured worker to facilitate a positive outcome through communications and understanding of special needs.  

But the question remains, Will you still need me When I'm 64? (Click to listen)
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