Why Do I Need a Care Navigator?
Experts help families solve senior care challenges.
Caring for an older adult can be overwhelming, confusing, and incredibly stressful. Not to mention, you’re likely navigating systems and processes completely new to you.
Many in this situation turn to hiring an aging care expert. These professionals are typically called Senior Care Navigators or Care Managers.
Their experience and knowledge about senior care issues and local resources can be useful whether you need just a few hours of consultation or guidance, or if you have a difficult or complex situation with your older adult.
Services Provided by Senior Care Navigators
A Senior Care Navigator is an experienced elder care professional whose goal is to find best-fit care solutions that match the needs, lifestyle and values of the senior. This includes services like:
Troubleshooting financial barriers
Navigate the senior care system
Reduce family/caregiver stress
Supervise your loved one’s care
Connect you with resources
Provide disease education
Advise on caregiving decisions
Family mediation
When to Hire a Senior Care Navigator
You Need Help Solving a Complex Behavior Issue
When older adults develop serious behavioral issues (typically in dementia), such as verbal abuse or physical combativeness, it can be difficult to pinpoint the true cause of the problem. Unless you have an experienced Geriatrician (Geriatric doctor) who is committed to figuring it out, you may need a Senior Care Navigator to provide ideas, education, or connect you with the right specialists who can help.
You Need Help Solving Problems in a Senior Living Community
While caring for an older adult, you may face complicated problems. Sometimes, you run into a brick wall trying to solve them. When that happens, hiring a Senior Care Navigator can be a big help to advocate for you and your loved one.
For example, your mom lives in an assisted living community and you feel that she needs more care than the regular staff provides. However, the community won’t let you hire a private aide for her. You’ve negotiated and argued with the administrator, but things aren’t going well.
A Senior Care Navigator understands how senior communities really work, what the relevant state laws are, and will negotiate on your behalf. Because they are industry insiders, they’re more likely to reach a solution that’s in your loved one’s best interests.
Your Older Adult Refuses to Talk With You About Their Health
Many seniors don’t want to burden adult children with problems or worries.
If you suspect that your older adult is not telling you about things that affect their health or well-being, you can hire a Senior Care Navigator to check on them. Some people are more likely to share their concerns with an expert outside of the family.
You Live Far Away
It’s difficult to manage your older adult’s care when you don’t live nearby. There is no substitute for having someone there in person to make sure they are well cared for.
When it’s impossible for you to visit frequently, a Senior Care Navigator will supervise the care, alert you to any issues, and work with you when decisions are needed. The Senior Care Navigator can attend physician appointments, ensure medication changes happen, be the liaison between you, the physician’s office, and the senior living community for continuity of care, arrange for follow-up appointments, therapy, and whatever else is needed.
You Have Legal or Financial Concerns
Does your loved one have the necessary legal documents? Can you afford to privately pay for care? These questions and more can be answered by a seasoned Senior Care Navigator who is up to date on Elder Law changes, can make appropriate referrals, and is aware of potential financial resources that might be available for your loved one.
You’re Not Sure What to Do
At some point in your older adult’s care, you and your family might feel completely lost and unsure. If you are stuck and don’t know what to do, a Geriatric Care Navigator can help you understand the available options, tradeoffs, and costs.
If you think a Senior Care Navigator may be able to help you or your family with the challenges of aging, reach out. Our experienced consultants will be happy to help you decide if professional care navigation is right for you.