A case study from a senior care navigator program: helping older adults address health and social care needs

The population in the United States is rapidly aging. Older adults commonly report complex care needs and are at increased risk for chronic disease, illness, and disability. However, navigating health and social care systems to address care needs can be challenging due to their siloed nature. This intervention's objective is to assist older adults in navigating health and social care systems and addressing their care needs. Henry Ford Health has implemented a Senior Care Navigator Program (SCNP) through which aging patients receive support coordinating their care, accessing relevant information and resources, and advocacy support to ensure their voice is heard. Since its inception in June 2021 through December 2024, the SCNP and its senior navigators have supported more than 250 patients with their health and social care, providing evidence of its impact. Moreover, increasing need and interest for the SCNP has resulted in its growth, namely through the addition of a second senior navigator and its expansion from 2 clinics to 5 clinics over a 4-year period. Further evidence of the SCNP's impact can be observed through patient stories, one of which is presented in this paper. The program described in this paper shows potential for helping seniors navigate their care. Senior navigators can support patients by arranging community resources, providing emotional support, and improving patient satisfaction when challenged by complex social or healthcare needs. Expansion of similar programs and efforts will become necessary as the needs of the aging U.S. population continue to grow over time.