JFS Care Navigation: Personalized Support for Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities

Joanne’s brother was diagnosed with schizophrenia when he was about 13, she was around 11. He is now 62. His mental issues have been a lifelong struggle for him and their whole family. He has been in and out of many varieties of hospitals and residential situations.

“There have been dozens of care providers and systems that at times did more damage than good,” said Joanne. “JFS has been the first to provide my brother support in a way that looked at a wholistic picture of his life. From JFS, he has received compassionate, personal care as well as pragmatic care- everything from a talk about his day, to rides to numerous doctors’ appointments and even the grocery store.”

Through JFS Delaware’s Gilbert J. Sloan Care Navigation program, older adults, adults with disabilities, and their loved ones can access compassionate, professional, and personalized care management services to enhance quality of life, encourage independence and healthy lifestyles, and ensure a safe and supportive living environment.

Joanne and her family are celebrating that JFS made it possible for her brother to be moved into an adult family home where he can be among a social group, which he longs for, and hopefully create some sense of “home” and safety. In the past he has often expressed his sadness at feeling like a “throw away” as result of his struggles with mental illness.

“Our parents passed away a number of years ago, and I know that my brother’s wellbeing was top on their list of worries as they aged and became less and less able to care for him,” said Joanne. “I know that with the latest good news that JFS has been able to accomplish on his and my whole family’s behalf they would be “over the moon”, as my father used to say. JFS has shown up consistently and with kind regard in helping to improving his life experience and to help him to know that he is cared for.”

Claudia

Claudia is a 66-year-old woman with some learning and cognitive disabilities. She is married, but lives by herself since her husband has greater medical needs and lives in a skilled nursing facility. Her sister reached out to JFS for support for Claudia with advocacy and transportation needs.

She typically has a care manager go with her to medical appointments to take notes and get clear assessments. She needed rides to other appointments for a short term due to a medical condition that has now been resolved. Her main use of Care Navigation is through direct contact with a care manager.

“When I went into the hospital in November, I didn’t have anybody in the state of Delaware at all to help me,” said Claudia. “The caregiver is really helpful, the manager part of it is really helpful. Taking me to doctor’s appointments… just making sure I have help when I need it.”

Ray

Ray is 96 years old. He and his wife Veronica are in the Care Navigation program. Ray primarily uses Care Navigation’s transportation services since he can no longer see very well and cannot drive.

“My wife and I were in a transition, and we had decided to continue to live at home, where we’ve been for 43 years,” said Ray. “But we needed more help to stay home. And I heard about Jewish Family Services. I called and they said, “we can help you”. And this is how it started. It gave us a better feeling of security. That’s important at our age.”

Ray does not love losing his independence but is connecting with JFS volunteers in meaningful ways as he utilizes Care Navigation services.

The JFS Care Navigation program is named after Gilbert J. Sloan. Dr. Sloan was the President of JFS Delaware from 1984 to 1986 and was a strong supporter of JFS for many years. He was also a beneficiary of the Care Navigation program.

With personalized short-term solutions and long-range care plans, JFS Care Managers improve safety measures, foster independence, and promote a higher quality of life for older adults to age with comfort and dignity.

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In 2023, 100% of Care Navigation clients reported reduced isolation and increased feelings of support, access to community resources, and a sense of safety and independence. 90% of caregivers reported high satisfaction with Care Navigation services, and 95% of clients and caregivers would recommend Care Navigation to a friend or family member. Click here for more information.