Volunteers are being sought for a new program that helps coach older adults as they make the transition from hospital to home. The program, known as Community Supports Navigator, is a joint effort of Albany County-NY Connects, Community Caregivers, Inc., and Northeast Health.

A Community Supports Navigator volunteer will provide guidance, advocacy and assistance to seniors and coordinate linkages to appropriate home and community-based services. Tasks may include arranging pickup or delivery of medications from the pharmacy, encouraging use of pillboxes, arranging for transportation or setting up medical appointments and improving the senior's understanding of their health information.

Additional details about the Community Supports Navigator Role, as well as formal training, will be provided for all volunteers who agree to commit to this project. For further information, contact Community Caregivers at 518-456-2898 or info@communitycaregivers.org.

Learn more about the program
Volunteer recruitment flyer

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Online forms for Navigator volunteers

                       Activity Tracking Log
                       Volunteer Comment Form
                       Consumer/Caregiver Self-Management Capacity Form

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Helpful weblinks for Navigator volunteers

Information on Care Transitions

• Care Transitions Program:  http://www.caretransitions.org/  Dr. Coleman’s website. 
• Care Transitions Overview:    http://www.ipro.org/index/cms-filesystem-action/healthy_seniors/healthysrsfall2010.pdf  IPRO, New York state’s Medicare-funded Quality Improvement Organization, offers this newsletter which outlines the importance of quality communications and coordination of care as patients move from one healthcare setting to another.

Services within Albany County

• The Albany County Department for Aging:  http://www.albanycounty.com/departments/aging/default.asp  The Albany County Department for Aging is your county-wide resource for aging services.
• Albany County New York Connects:  http://www.albanycounty.com/nyconnects/  NY Connects serves as the County point-of-entry for all long-term care services.
• Senior Centers in Albany County:  http://www.albanycounty.com/departments/aging/default.asp?id=1528  Many of the senior centers offer transportation; social programs; meal programs; housing assistance; financial, legal, and utility assistance; support groups; and health and wellness programs.

Other Resources

• Geriatric Foundation for Mental Health:  Consumer and Patient Information http://www.gmhfonline.org/gmhf/consumer/index.html
• National Institutes of Health:  Health Information  http://health.nih.gov/
• Mayo Clinic:  Diseases and Conditions  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/DiseasesIndex/DiseasesIndex
• Johns Hopkins Health Library:  http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary
• Helpguide (in collaboration with Harvard Health Publications):  http://helpguide.org/index.htm
• National Institute on Aging:  http://www.nia.nih.gov/
• Communicating with Your Doctor:  http://www.ahrq.gov/questions/.  This website, created by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, focuses on the use of questions to improve communications with your doctor; includes sample questions, videos, and tips.    

For additional resources and/or to suggest an applicable website, please contact Community Caregivers at 518-456-2898 or info@communitycaregivers.org.