With over 1,673 clients served, NWRC’s Health Homes Program is effectively reducing gaps in services and empowering individuals to take ownership of their own healthcare. Our Health Home Care Coordinators work side-by-side with their clients to help them better understand and manage their health by creating individualized care plans. Participation in the Health Homes Program is voluntary and does not change or replace any services or supports the client is already receiving. The program is funded by both state and federal Medicaid dollars. Every day, our care coordinators are out in the field supporting clients like Erin.
Erin (not her real name) is a client who suffers from a traumatic brain injury and has complex medical and mental health challenges that make it difficult for her to navigate the healthcare system on her own. When she started meeting with her NWRC Health Home Care Coordinator, she had been hospitalized several times and was struggling to manage her own care. Her care coordinator assisted Erin with accessing transportation, completing eligibility reviews for her benefits, getting new eyeglasses, and coordinating with doctors & providers. They attended medical appointments together and worked alongside the team at the Behavioral Health Treatment Center to ensure alignment with Erin’s long-term health goals. Through this ongoing care and advocacy under the Health Homes Program, Erin was able to better manage her health and well-being and has not had a single visit to the emergency room since joining the program.
“The Health Homes Program is vital to reducing the unnecessary use of hospitals and nursing homes and increases the individual’s participation in their own care. Our care coordinators provide their clients with the tools to better manage their own health and help them navigate the medical and social services they need. This trusted relationship with a skilled navigator leads to better, more effective use of complicated systems, which in turn greatly improves health outcomes,” said Executive Director Amanda McDade.
About NWRC
NWRC has been helping older adults, people with complex medical conditions, and their families obtain resources and assistance that promote optimal health, well-being, and independence to improve the quality of life in Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom counties since 1971. For more information, see nwrcwa.org