What is a Care Navigator and how I help you.
When I am first contacted by a family, the person who phones me up often starts with “I don’t know how you can help?”.
And my reply is nearly always “Well tell me your story”.
Most people who get in touch with me have been recommended to do so by a friend, colleague, another family member or a professional e.g. Financial Adviser, Solicitor, Will Writer etc.
These are people who have either already used my services or have heard me talking about the services I offer and the types of family I support.
You might ask “why such an open question? Don’t you have a set list of things you need to know?” Well yes, I do. But who, especially at what is probably a difficult and emotional time, wants to be faced by the “Spanish Inquisition”?
Every family is different and needs to be listened to so I can offer the best support and advice for them, and their elderly loved one.
My aim as a care navigator is
To ensure families who have self-funding elderly relatives get the same support as those who are funded by Adult Social Services and the NHS.
For the family's elderly loved ones to continue to have a good quality of life.
For them all to be able to continue to spend time together that is enjoyable, memorable, and free of stress.
What are the most common problems families face in finding care?
Usually, one or a combination of the following:
• I am finding the adult health and social care systems difficult to navigate.
• I don’t understand how Adult Social care is funded.
• I am not sure where to start when looking at care options.
• I am struggling to find the time to complete forms for funding.
• I feel I am unable to get my voice heard, respected, and acted upon.
• I want to challenge a decision I think is wrong.
None of these are a surprise. Adult Health and Social Care in England is not easy to understand. It is not joined up and people easily fall through the gaps. We often come crashing into contact with it at a time of crisis and huge emotional distress. Even people working with the elderly and frail in the NHS and in the care sector often don’t fully understand the whole picture.
My mum, my sister and I were that family once so I have been there and can fully empathize with their situation.
What information am I looking for?
Here is a list of a few basics:
1. Age of the person and where they are currently e.g. at home, in hospital…..
2. Who am I talking to and what is your relationship to them.
3. Do you or anyone else hold Lasting Powers of Attorney for the person?
4. What does the person receiving the care want?
5. Do they have capacity to decide?
6. Have you discussed this with them?
7. Do you (broadly) know their financial position?
8. Do they have an End-of-Life Plan?
Can I help?
Well, by the end of a gently guided 30-minute, free no-obligation conversation that you can book here I can usually provide a brief “Plan of Action for the Next Steps” and will send this as an email.
Here is a link to my Support Packages Page where I am transparent with all my pricing https://sunrisecareadvisers.co.uk/care-support-packages/
Joanne Warren is a Care Navigator who supports families struggling with Adult Social Care and Health Care for elderly loved ones. She completes funding application forms, helps source good care, liaises with professionals and provides clarity and transparency at a difficult and emotional time.
www.sunrisecareadvisers.co.uk
Joanne Warren BSc (Hons) - Owner & Senior Care Adviser
