Four Keys to Navigating Your Medical Journey

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1) Learn how to be engaged and adequately informed.

Get to know the Who/What/When/Where/How of your loved one's treatment or care plan, including medications, surgeries or procedures, next steps, things to watch for, where to go and who to call when you need something.

2) Find people who can help you navigate the health care system, especially if you are dealing with a big diagnosis.

• Advocates: May be medically trained professionals, as well as family, friends or a lay person for hire
• Navigators/Case Managers: Usually a social worker or RN within a medical system or insurance company
• System Support: Each medical system provides different levels and types of support for their patients, depending on the care and services needed

3) You can learn a lot about providers and facilities by doing a little research and vetting.

• License: State medical board websites include information about licenses, and any disciplinary actions or malpractice claims:

Oregon Medical Board

Washington Medical Commission

• Education/Research: Areas to research include training, certifications, professional awards and research or other activity related to their specialty.

• Recommendations: Personal reviews from people you know and trust, can help you sort things out.

• Inspections: Facilities are inspected regularly. You can find information on state and federal websites:

Oregon Health Authority: Info for Patients and Families

• Facilities: What is the best facility for the type and level of care you or your loved one will need?

• Visiting: If possible, visit your top choices. An in-person visit can make all the difference when in your final choice. 

4) Utilize your provider’s patient portal to help with communication and tracking.

Most doctors and health care systems now use Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems such as My Chart to stay in touch with their patients.

Learning how to use your doctor's portal system will help you stay up-to-date on care for yourself or your loved one, with faster access to medical records, and information about appointments, prescriptions, test results and follow up notes.

Support for Family Caregivers

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Too often, family members can find themselves with more questions than answers or resources, while trying to manage and coordinate care.  

Regardless of the type of caregiving arrangement family caregivers can face a wide range of responsibilities and concerns.

Ensuring that you have a coordinated care plan and a care support team can help provide a clear communication and more solid foundation for family caregivers and their loved ones. 

Coordinated Care Plans

and

Coordinated Support Teams

Coordinated Care Plans include the recommended services, providers, treatments and other key information necessary for your loved one's care. This can include:

• Medical
• Mental Health
• Long Term Care / In-Home Care
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Hospice/Palliative Care

Coordinated Support Teams are the providers and services that help caregivers and families to manage the important issues beyond physical care. This might include:

• Financial Advisor
• Tax Advisor
• Attorney (Elder Law, Estate Planning, etc...)
• Senior Real Estate Specialist®
• Mortgage Advisor
• Downsizing Consultant / Move Manager

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TAKE AWAYS

How To Get Started

1) Having a trusted advocate to help you navigate the journey of caring for a loved one, particularly if care or treatment requires hospitalization. This can include individuals, as members of care and support teams.

2) Seek out caregiver support groups and respite options for yourself as well as your loved one. Many offer life enriching activities for you and your loved one to enjoy together.

3) Caring for the Caregiver: If you are a caregiver, you are not alone. Below, we have included some specific resources just for you.