1. Care Navigator Service
By Louise Griffiths

2. History
This is a service provided in partnership with Family Mosaic and Kent County Council.
The service was first set up 8 years ago as pilot in East Kent with 5 Navigators as a ‘signposting’ service but now covers the whole county with a Care Navigator in every district.

3. The basics
Free
Impartial
Anyone over the age of 50.

4. Referrals Referrals can be taken from anyone, including:
The individual themselves
Family or friends
Social Services
Community wardens
Age UK
Health
Voluntary organisations
Scheme managers

5. The beginning…
Visits are arranged in the clients own home, on a one to one basis, however family members or other professionals can also be present.
The following slides detail what subjects are discussed.

6. Finances Benefit entitlement and maximising income. Debt worries
Managing budgets.
Advice around lasting power of attorney.

7. Housing Type: council/private/rented Security/ feeling safe
Smoke detectors
Locks/key safes
Advise on looking to move/help to apply for housing
Adaption's – Trusted assessor
Odd jobs/handyperson service
Working with hoarders
Adaptations via disabled facilities grants or self payers.

8. Transport Can you get around? Access to transport Volunteer drivers
Hospital transport
Blue badge applications

9. Health Any known health conditions? ‘How do you feel?’
History of falls/wandering/telecare assessment
Diet
Personal care
Vision, hearing and podiatry
GP & GP services
Managing medication

10. At Home How do you manage?
Do you need help with gardening/cleaning/shopping/home meal deliveries?.
Is help needed with personal care/dressing?
If an assessment is needed for handrails/raised seats/steps and small aids around the home Care navigators are trusted assessors and can order equipment and telecare?

11. Social Are you lonely? Befriending services
Do you see family/neighbours/people?
Would you like to attend clubs/day centres?

12. Continual development
Care navigators need to keep up to date with all social policy issues both locally and nationally which may affect the geographical area in which they work.
Care navigators also need to be acutely aware of all ‘safe guarding’ policies and procedures within KCC protecting vunerable adults.

13. Finally…
Care Navigators are in a post to help our clients find the right kind of support, to help them lead a healthy, independent and fulfilling life, with an improved sense of wellbeing.
Care Navigators are now also part of the Integrated Discharge Teams in all hospitals providing a safe and timely discharge for patients going back to their own homes.