Memory Care Navigator program offers support for memory issues
By Alison Stanton
Since the day it first launched, the Sun Health Memory Care Navigator program has helped provide personal and professional guidance for patients with dementia, as well as their loved ones and caregivers.
As part of the program, a Memory Care Navigator will carefully assess the needs of the patient and family through a confidential consultation, and then prepare a personalized plan of care that is tailored to the patient’s health needs. In addition, the Navigator will also be an ongoing resource for the families and caregivers.
For Dr. Maninder Kahlon, a neurologist in Sun City, the Memory Care Navigator program has helped him provide even better care to his patients.
“The information that I receive from the Memory Care Navigator’s plan of care is always so solid and good, and it helps me learn so many things about my patient that I want to know,” Dr. Kahlon says.
The Memory Care Navigators can help both patients and caregivers with a number of issues, he says.
“The No. 1 struggle that family members have is determining when it is time to start looking at placement for their loved one, as well as related legal and financial issues,” Dr. Kahlon says. “The program truly is one-stop shopping for memory care.”
The Memory Care Navigator program is not a covered benefit under Medicare and most insurance plans, Dr. Kahlon notes. Instead, it is funded entirely through the philanthropic support of donors to Sun Health Foundation.
“The Sun Health Memory Care Navigator program is a wonderful gift to the community,” Dr. Kahlon says.
Dr. Kahlon and his staff are grateful for the support and information that the Memory Care Navigators provide.
“The ability of Marty Finley and Jane Harrison to support families, answer questions and connect them to needed resources is phenomenal,” he says. “I couldn’t employ enough people to do what they do.”
