A: Our goal is to make Nav-CARE a free service available in communities across Canada. We believe that Nav-CARE has the potential to improve the quality of life of persons living with declining health while helping volunteers to make a meaningful and compassionate contribution to their community.
Category: FAQ
Q: HOW HAS THE PROGRAM BEEN EVALUATED?
A: Through a number of studies, we have found that Nav-CARE clients are highly satisfied with the program and feel it is important. They reported an increase in their knowledge of the resources in their community and that they feel more engaged in health care decision-making. Volunteers have also reported benefiting from the program themselves. Through … Continue reading Q: HOW HAS THE PROGRAM BEEN EVALUATED?
Q: WHAT DO VOLUNTEER NAVIGATORS LEARN?
A: Volunteers are educated according to five main competences: Addressing client and family quality of life; advocating for clients and family; facilitating community connections; supporting access to resources and promoting active engagement. Volunteers also learn important skills on virtual navigation.
Q: WHY IS THIS OFFERED THROUGH HOSPICE SOCIETIES WHEN PERSONS WITH DECLINING HEALTH ARE NOT AT END OF LIFE?
A: Hospice volunteers have a unique skill set in that they are comfortable working with those living with serious illness. However, Nav-CARE can also be implemented through other community-service organizations. We are happy to have a conversation with you about the suitability of your organization.
Q: HOW IS THE ROLE OF THE VOLUNTEER NAVIGATOR DIFFERENT FROM HEALTHCARE NAVIGATORS?
A: Volunteer navigations perform a very different role than healthcare navigators. Within the boundaries of being a volunteer and not a health care professional, they are concerned primarily with improving quality of life. They focus on those practical day-to-day necessities that ‘make life more livable.’ They have the time and resources to sit down with persons … Continue reading Q: HOW IS THE ROLE OF THE VOLUNTEER NAVIGATOR DIFFERENT FROM HEALTHCARE NAVIGATORS?
Q: HOW DOES THIS PROGRAM FIT WITHIN THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM?
A: Healthcare systems play an important role for persons living with declining health. However, globally the most innovative programs are also acknowledging the importance of communities and neighbours to supporting those living with declining health. This is often referred to as a compassionate community approach to care. We know that even though healthcare systems are … Continue reading Q: HOW DOES THIS PROGRAM FIT WITHIN THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM?
Q: WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE PROGRAM?
A: Nav-CARE was designed to meet the needs of persons with declining health who are living at home, either independently or with family. The most important eligibility criterion for the program is that the person feels they need assistance and that they would benefit from having regular visits from a volunteer. We have found that … Continue reading Q: WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE PROGRAM?
Q: WHAT IS ENTAILED IN STARTING A NAV-CARE PROGRAM?
A: The first step is to contact nav.care@ubc.ca to have a conversation about the suitability of Nav-CARE for your organization. An implementation toolkit is available that outlines 5 key questions to consider for implementing Nav-CARE in your organization. Once your organization has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), you will also receive the Nav-CARE toolkit … Continue reading Q: WHAT IS ENTAILED IN STARTING A NAV-CARE PROGRAM?
Nav-CARE 