Who is a care coordinator, and how can they help me?

A care coordinator, or care navigator, is a guide in the healthcare system. They help organize the different parts of a person's healthcare and provide support and guidance throughout the care journey. This can include making appointments, talking with doctors, looking into different services, and helping with paperwork.

Here are some ways a care coordinator can help:

Share information

Care coordinators share information about treatment choices, palliative care, end-of-life options, and available support services. They can help you better understand the healthcare system and make informed decisions.

Plan care

They help create personalized care plans, such as arranging medical visits, handling medication, and organizing support services. They make sure healthcare providers are working together to support you.

Manage care

They act as a central point of contact, coordinating care between different healthcare providers and advocating for a patient’s rights, care goals and preferences. They improve communication and collaboration between care team members, help organize appointments with specialists, plan for tests or procedures, and share necessary information with all care providers.

Find useful resources

They help you find and access the right resources and support services, like community organizations, financial assistance programs, hospice services, home care agencies, and other relevant resources.

End-of-life planning

They can support with making end-of-life decisions, like setting up an advance care plan or a living will. They facilitate discussions and make sure that any end-of-life care wishes are documented and followed.

Bereavement support

They provide support during the grieving period. They can connect individuals with grief counselling, support groups, or other resources to help during this difficult time.