What Case Managers Should Know Before Making a Residential Referral
A practical guide to help case managers and referral professionals prepare for successful residential placement.
Case managers, social workers, behavioral health professionals, discharge planners, and community providers often play an important role in helping individuals identify appropriate residential housing.
Providing clear information at the beginning of the referral process can help the residential provider determine whether a placement may be appropriate.
Begin Residential Planning Early
When possible, residential planning should begin before housing becomes an emergency.
Starting early allows additional time to:
Identify appropriate residential options
Gather necessary documentation
Clarify funding
Coordinate medications
Communicate with providers
Plan transportation and community supports
Address potential barriers to placement
Clearly Describe the Individual's Support Needs
Residential providers need an accurate understanding of how the individual functions on a day-to-day basis.
Helpful information may include:
Personal-care needs
Medication support needs
Mobility
Behavioral concerns
Community-safety needs
Communication abilities
Daily living skills
Substance-use concerns
Level of supervision required
Providing complete and accurate information helps determine whether the residence can appropriately meet the individual's needs.
Provide Current Documentation When Available
Helpful records may include:
Diagnostic assessment
Current treatment plan
Medication list
Insurance information
Income or benefit verification
TB screening
Discharge paperwork
Case manager and provider information
The specific documentation required may vary depending on the individual and funding source.
Collaboration Is Important
Successful residential placement often involves communication between the individual, case manager, residential provider, family, and community treatment team.
Each provider has a different role, but coordinated communication can support greater stability and continuity of care.
Refer Someone to Walker Wellness Homes
Walker Wellness Homes welcomes referrals from case managers, social workers, hospitals, behavioral health providers, community agencies, and families.
Contact us or submit a referral to discuss residential needs and current placement options.
How the Adult Residential Placement Process Works
Learn what to expect during the adult residential referral and placement process, from the initial inquiry through admission.
How the Adult Residential Placement Process Works
Finding the right residential setting for yourself or a loved one can feel overwhelming, especially when you are unsure where to begin. Understanding the placement process can make the experience easier for families, individuals, case managers, social workers, and other professionals involved in the referral.
At Walker Wellness Homes, the process begins with learning more about the individual and determining whether our residential setting may be appropriate for their needs.
Starting With a Referral
A residential referral may come from a family member, case manager, social worker, behavioral health professional, hospital, discharge planner, community agency, or another person involved in the individual's care.
Helpful information during the initial referral may include:
Current living situation
Reason placement is being requested
Level of supervision needed
Mental health or developmental needs
Medication information
Current providers and case management
Funding or benefit information
Desired timeframe for placement
You do not necessarily need to have every document available before making the initial inquiry.
Understanding Residential Support Needs
Every individual has different strengths, abilities, and support needs.
During the referral process, it may be important to understand whether the individual needs assistance with areas such as:
Daily routines
Personal hygiene
Medication self-administration
Meals
Household responsibilities
Community participation
Transportation
Appointment reminders
Safety and supervision
This information helps determine whether the residential environment may be an appropriate fit.
Gathering Documentation
Depending on the individual and funding source, additional documentation may be requested.
Examples may include:
Diagnostic assessment
Treatment plan
Medication list
Insurance information
Income or benefit verification
TB screening
Case manager information
Relevant discharge documentation
Determining Whether Placement Is Appropriate
Residential placement should involve more than simply finding an available room.
Consideration should be given to the individual's support needs, level of independence, safety, current services, funding, and ability to live successfully within the residential environment.
If the residential setting appears appropriate and suitable accommodations are available, the admission process can proceed.
Looking for Residential Placement?
Walker Wellness Homes welcomes inquiries from families and professionals seeking structured adult residential housing in Greater Cincinnati.
Contact us to learn more about our residential services, referral process, admission requirements, and current availability.