Is it Time to Consider Service Coordination?

As we age, it’s essential to consider how we can access supports and services which help us live in our own homes. For many not yet ready to move into a senior living community, service coordination has proven to be the support older adults need to age abundantly wherever they choose.

Service coordination is a service designed to help older adults and people with disabilities connect with the services and resources they need to live independently in their own homes as long as possible. Service coordinators work with clients to assess their needs, develop individualized care plans, and connect them with resources such as home health care services, transportation, meal delivery, housekeeping, and more.

Service coordination can also involve providing education and support to clients and their families on navigating the healthcare system, managing chronic conditions, and accessing community resources.

With the goal of helping individuals live safely and comfortably in their own homes, service coordinators help families navigate options available in the community, while guiding the older adult through choices that are best for them to maintain their independence. That’s why we call it NaviGuide.

Here are some reasons to consider service coordination:

• Access to resources: Service coordinators can help older adults access a range of resources and services, such as home-delivered meals, transportation, housekeeping, and more. These resources can help older adults maintain their independence and remain in their own homes for as long as possible.
• Improved safety: Service coordinators can help older adults identify potential safety hazards in their homes and connect them with services and resources to address these issues. This can improve safety and reduce the risk of falls and other accidents.
• Reduced isolation: With social supports and connections, service coordinators can help older adults with community resources and events. This can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common among older adults living alone.
• Personalized care: Service coordinators can provide personalized care and support tailored to the needs of each individual. This can help older adults maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need to stay healthy and safe.
• Cost-effective: Service coordination is often more cost-effective than moving to an assisted living facility or nursing home. It allows older adults to maintain their independence while receiving the support they need to live comfortably at home.
• Peace of mind: Peace of mind for older adults and their families is achievable. Knowing that there is someone available to provide support and assistance can reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall quality of life.
• Improved health outcomes: Helping older adults manage their chronic conditions and access preventive care, having a service coordinator involved can lead to improved health outcomes and a better quality of life.

Service coordination is a valuable service for older adults who want to maintain their independence while aging at home. It provides access to resources, improves safety, reduces isolation, provides personalized care, is cost-effective, provides peace of mind, and can lead to improved health outcomes. If you or a loved one are considering aging at home, service coordination is a service to consider to support your independent living.

United Church Homes’ NaviGuide service coordination program has supported 250 individuals in its inaugural year. For more information on NaviGuide, please visit www.uchnaviguide.org or subscribe the Ask A NaviGuide podcast for helpful tips from the UCH team of NaviGuides.