When should I use a care navigator versus a care coordinator?

My nephew has a Coordinator supplied thru the State. He sees my nephew about once a month. His agency supplies an aide once a week for a few hours, all depends on his budget money nephew is allowed. This aide has additional certification to go with him to appts with Social Services to make sure nephew understands what he is being told. The Coorinator makes sure he sees his doctors on a regular basis. He is responsible to make sure any paperwork, like Medicaid, is filled out. He also is responsible to find resourses for my nephew. This has allowed me to step back. I occasionally have to take him to an appt because it can't be made on the day the aide is there. I have his yearly Medicaid renewal because all the statements needed come to me as payee. Easier for me to do it then send all info to coordinator. Best think I ever set up for nephew. If I die, they will be their for him and can have him placed if needed.

JLYNN69
Maybe this will help. From a job search site called ClimbTheLadder.com.
I have seen Nurse Navigators (assuming same as Care Navigator) on Hospital websites for cancer treatment. Sounded like a great resource. Social Workers are more common in the areas I’ve had experience with. Mixed feelings as to usefulness.

NURSE NAVIGATORS
NN are specially trained nurses who provide guidance and support to patients as they navigate the healthcare system. Help patients understand their diagnosis, treatment options and potential side effects.
NN connect patients to resources within the healthcare system, such as support groups or financial assistance programs. NN work with patients from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. Provide emotional support and practical advice to help patients cope with their diagnosis and make informed decisions about their care.

CARE COORDINATOR
CC are responsible for ensuring that patients receive the care they need by coordinating with different medical professionals. Act as a point of contact for patients and their families to answer questions and provide guidance. Create treatment plans based on each patient’s individual needs and make sure that all the different medical professionals involved are aware of and following the plan. Track the patient’s progress and make changes to the plan as needed. Typically work in hospitals or other healthcare facilities.

MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN

JOB DUTIES
Both NN and CC have similar job duties, although the specific tasks can vary depending on the patient’s needs. BOTH Help patients access the resources they need, such as medical care, social services or other support. Guide patients through various treatments and therapies so they understand what to expect and how to manage their conditions.
NN typically focus more on pre-admission nursing, which means they work with patients before they enter a hospital for treatment. They may perform initial assessments with patients to determine any necessary resources or courses of treatment.
CC primarily perform post-admission nursing, meaning they provide support after a patient has begun receiving treatment. Therefore, care coordinators often provide continued support once a patient begins a particular course of treatment.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
NN and CC typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing to enter the field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree. Many NN and CC also pursue certification through organizations like the American Nurses Association or the National Committee for Quality Assurance. These certifications can demonstrate that professionals have the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
NN and CC typically work in different environments. A NN works primarily in hospitals, where they can help patients navigate the healthcare system to find the best treatment options for their conditions. They may also work in private practices or other medical facilities.
CC usually work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities or other long-term care facilities.
Both positions require a lot of interaction with patients, so both roles often involve working overtime and weekends. However, because NN work in more acute settings, they may have more irregular hours than CC.
SKILLS
Both NN and CC use similar skills, such as active listening, critical thinking and problem solving. They also both need to be able to effectively communicate with patients, families and other members of the healthcare team.
However, NN typically have more clinical experience and knowledge than CC. This enables them to provide patients with more comprehensive guidance and support throughout their care journey. They also may use more advanced nursing skills, such as assessment and diagnosis.

CC often have a background in social work. This can give them a different perspective when working with patients, families and can enable them to provide more wraparound services.

I suppose it depends on how well the family member's POA or next-of-kin or other person in charge of the situation navigates the internet, is willing to do the scut work in finding caregivers or facilities, has good business skills, and understands managing a sick family member and interfacing with a host of doctors, nurses, and hospice caregivers as well as coordinating housing for the patient. And listening to the patient's concerns, in addition to all of the above. That's a huge undertaking.

I happen to be able to manage such things. Other people can't, and that's not a bad thing, it's just that their talents lie in a different direction. If no one in the patient's world is able to navigate the necessary roadblocks (and usually a fam member is expected to do it without pay), a care navigator or coordinator would be a wonderful thing.

Who decides if one is necessary? I don't know. It was always assumed that I'd do it - four times including my husband presently, for whom I am happy to do it. No one should be roped into it just because they're there or not working or thought to have the spare time. Not everyone is suited.

If money is available, maybe go with care coordinator or navigator first. That could save family relationships, which are often strained when a fam member takes on the job.