Learn about Nav-CARE

Nav-CARE (Navigation: Connecting, Advocating, Resourcing, Engaging) is a free program that helps Yukoners with declining health live at home longer. It pairs them with trained volunteers who provide support, reduce loneliness and improve well-being.

Volunteers, called navigators, are trained to offer companionship, help clients find community resources and give emotional support. These services are part of the Yukon Aging in Place Action Plan.

The University of British Columbia and the University of Alberta developed Nav-CARE after more than 10 years of research. The program addresses the unique challenges of rural and remote communities, helping clients stay connected and active within their communities.

Services available

Nav-CARE is offered in:

  • English through Continuing Care 
  • French through l’Association Franco-Yukonnaise (l’AFY). 

Become a Nav-CARE volunteer

Nav-CARE volunteers make a difference in the lives of Yukoners with declining health. They help people stay independent and connected to their community. By volunteering, you can have a impact, build strong relationships, and learn valuable skills that benefit you and those you support.

What do Nav-CARE volunteers do?

Nav-CARE volunteers:

  • help clients find and use community resources to meet their needs;
  • provide companionship to reduce loneliness and isolation;
  • assist with non-medical tasks like arranging transportation, supporting care planning or helping with technology;
  • reconnect clients with hobbies, social groups and activities they enjoy; and
  • offer emotional support to help clients make decisions and adjust to changes.

Training and support for volunteers

Nav-CARE provides all the training and resources you need to feel confident and succeed as a volunteer. Training is delivered through a 2-day workshop or several shorter sessions, covering topics like:

  • Building relationships and offering compassionate support.
  • Helping clients connect with community resources.
  • Supporting clients in making decisions and staying involved in meaningful activities.
  • Setting and maintaining professional boundaries.

Volunteers also receive ongoing mentorship, opportunities to debrief and peer support to ensure they feel prepared and supported.
For those who can’t attend in-person workshops or live outside Whitehorse, online training is available.

Safety and boundaries

Nav-CARE puts safety and clear boundaries first to support its volunteers:

  • Volunteers must complete a vulnerable sector police record check and provide 2 character references.
  • The Nav-CARE Coordinator ensures client homes are safe before visits start and helps create safety plans if needed.
  • Volunteers are encouraged to leave a client’s home immediately if they ever feel unsafe.

Volunteers are guided by clear boundaries, including:

  • Avoiding tasks related to personal care, medical, financial or legal matters.
  • Not giving detailed health advice or taking on responsibilities outside their volunteer role.
  • Respecting client confidentiality and following guidelines for appropriate interactions.

Time commitment

Nav-CARE volunteers usually work with 1 to 2 clients, visiting each client once a week or every other week for about 1 to 2 hours. A 1 year commitment is requested, but scheduling is flexible to meet the needs of both volunteers and clients.

How to become a volunteer

  1. Contact the Nav-CARE Coordinator. 
  1. Complete the application.
  • This includes a police record check and character references.
  1. Attend training. 
  • Participate in our comprehensive training program to prepare for this role.

Access Nav-CARE Support

Who is Nav-CARE for?

Nav-CARE is available to Yukoners who are:

  • aged 50+ and experiencing declining health or serious illness;
  • lonely, socially isolated or struggling with mobility or sensory issues;
  • grieving personal losses or the death of loved ones;
  • facing difficult decisions or transitions, such as health care or housing changes; or
  • finding it difficult to access resources or support.

Yukoners aged 18 to 49 may also qualify if they:

  • are grieving the death of a loved one;
  • are isolated at home;
  • face complex treatment decisions; or
  • could benefit from a palliative approach to care.

What can Nav-CARE do for you?

Nav-CARE volunteers visit regularly to provide personalized support based on your needs. They can:

  • offer companionship to reduce loneliness, anxiety or isolation;
  • help you stay connected by finding and accessing resources like transportation or community programs;
  • assist with practical tasks like setting up appointments, using technology or navigating online resources;
  • reconnect you with hobbies or social groups that bring you joy; or
  • provide emotional support during life transitions or when making important decisions.

What Nav-CARE does not do

While Nav-CARE volunteers play an important role, they do not:

  • replace professional healthcare service;
  • provide personal care, such as assistance with bathing or using the toilet;
  • handle finances, give medical advice or perform legal tasks; or
  • transport clients in vehicles.

What to expect

Initial assessment: The Nav-CARE Coordinator will meet with you to learn about your needs and preferences. They also check your home environment for safety and find the best volunteer match.

Volunteer matching: You’ll be paired with a trained volunteer who has similar interests or skills that align with your goals.

Regular visits: Volunteers visit weekly or bi-weekly for 1 to 2 hours, either in person or virtually. Scheduling is flexible and based on what works best for you.

Ongoing support: The Nav-CARE Coordinator will regularly check in to make sure the program is meeting your needs and address any concerns.


Your rights and responsibilities

As a Nav-CARE client, you have the right to:

  • courtesy, respect and confidentiality;
  • end the service at any time; and
  • report concerns about your volunteer or the program to the Nav-CARE Coordinator.

Clients are encouraged to:

  • treat volunteers with courtesy and respect;
  • keep walkways safe and, if requested, restrain pets during visits; and
  • avoid smoking or using illegal substances while volunteers are visiting.

How to enroll

To learn more or join Nav-CARE, contact us.

For questions about the English program email [email protected] or phone 867-667-9360.

For questions about the French program, email [email protected], phone 867-335-2660 or visit the webpage Services d’aide à domicile.

Nav-CARE is free, voluntary and confidential. Let us help you stay connected, supported and empowered to live well at home.




 

Contact

If you have questions, email [email protected] or phone 867-667-9360.

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