Client Services - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
What can I expect from the AIDS Council?
The AIDS Council provides services based on your individual needs. Not everyone receives the same services; everyone’s needs are different and may change over time. You can expect to talk to a case manager about your needs, such as: living situation, medical care, transportation, financial resources, support system, etc. In order to get the best picture of your current situation, the case manager will need to ask you some questions, some which may seem overly personal, but they are essential for determining what your needs are.
What does the AIDS Council expect from me?
The staff of the AIDS Council will do the best they can to help you meet your needs. Sometimes the AIDS Council can directly provide the service you need (such as transportation or assistance with rent payments) and sometimes we will need to refer you to another agency or make phone calls to coordinate services for you. We expect that you will be open and honest with your case manager about your needs, inform him or her when your needs change, and do what you can for yourself.
What types of services can I get from the AIDS Council?
The AIDS Council provides case management services, information and referral, emergency financial assistance, support groups, mental health counseling, and social/recreational programs. Not all services are available in all the counties we serve due to funding constraints. Our staff will work with you to match services to your individual needs.
What is case management?
Case management is a term you may hear a lot. But what is it??? Case management is a process in which you work together with a case manager to meet your needs by coordinating the services you need. Case managers often help people locate housing, get to medical appointments, get transportation, and apply for benefits such as food stamps, social services, or Social Security. In addition, case managers can advocate for you if you are having difficulty getting services you need, provide support, and assist you in problem solving.
What can’t my case manager do?
Case managers can provide quite a bit of assistance to you, however, they can’t do it all! Case management is a partnership and works best with you and your case manager working together to problem solve. Case managers often have many clients to deal with and may not be able to return your calls or see you immediately. Case managers can not loan you money or do personal favors. Most programs have eligibility requirements. Case managers are not able to change these requirements and may need to say no to your requests.
Why don’t I have a case manager at the AIDS Council?
Not everyone living with HIV/AIDS has a case manager from the AIDS Council. Sometimes the AIDS Council has waiting lists for its case management services or individuals may want to receive case management at other organizations such as Whitney Young, Catholic Charities AIDS Services, or Albany Medical Center. Just because you don’t have a case manager at the AIDS Council doesn’t mean that you can not receive certain services from the AIDS Council.
For example, the AIDS Council coordinates the region’s Ryan White Transportation program and the HOPWA program for certain parts of the region. Your case manager from where you receive your services can connect you with these programs. Other services such as support groups and some types of emergency assistance are also available to those receiving case management services at other organizations. If you have questions about these services, ask your case manager.
How often can I expect to see or talk to my AIDS Council case manager?
Depending on your current situation and your needs, you may see and talk to your case manager quite frequently or only a few times in a few months. Case management services are based on need and range from people who need intensive services from their AIDS Council case manager to those who need limited assistance/support a few times a year. Your AIDS Council case manager will discuss your situation with you and identify the program that best meets your needs.
