Care Companion Program
RWJBarnabas Health is committed to providing patient- and family-centered care. As part of that commitment, we’ve developed the Care Companion Program to create more meaningful and collaborative support for the patient and their family. When each patient has a care companion, they can feel more confident in their healing journey.
Who Can Be a Care Companion?
A Care Companion is a family member or trusted friend, identified by the patient, who will help support the patient within the hospital and across care settings. A Care Companion can advocate for the patient and help support them in care planning and care transitions. The Care Companion doesn’t necessarily have to be the patient’s surrogate decision-maker.
Program
Patients will be treated with dignity and respect and in a safe and humane manner.
We will respect their religious, ethnic, and personal values.
A Care Companion can advocate for the patient and help support them in care planning and care transitions.
Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our patients is our top priority.
You are entitled to know the names of health care professionals responsible for your care.
A Care Companion’s Role
Be supportive, watch and talk.
Share important information about the patient, including helping with technology that may be used to connect them with their care team, friends or loved ones.
Engage with the care team to plan the patient’s care while in the hospital and collaborate with the care coordination team.
Comply with the hospital regulations.
Spend time with the patient, even if it’s just sitting quietly. Your presence can be very comforting.
We Follow PFCC
Patient- and family-centered care (PFCC) is something we follow here at RWJBarnabas Health. We work with the patient/family and not for the patient/family. We assure trust is offered through service; we use planning and decision to help deliver the best quality of care.
PFCC Components
- Collaboration: Working together (family, patient, provider, team) to help deliver efficient care.
- Participation: Taking part in conservations that require attention.
- Information Sharing: Sharing all unbiased information with patient approval.
- Dignity and Respect: Representing dignity and respect for all patients.
Why does this matter? PFCC helps improve care, it helps our team at RWJBarnabas Health make experiences better for our patients. We aim to build trust with our patients and their families, to create a nurturing environment.
Care Companion Identification and Visitation
Visitation Guidelines and Hours
The Care Companion(s) will be provided with a wristband for identification purposes.
As a Care Companion, please be aware of the following guidelines:
- Wristbands are non-transferable and may not be shared.
- Wristband are used so staff can easily identify you as a Care Companion.
- Care Companions must adhere to general visitation policies.
- Access may change based on the patient’s condition and care needs.
You Matter Here
Here at RWJBarnabas Health, we value our patients and their families. We know that you want to be involved in the care of your loved one. Our Care Companion program is one way that you can be involved. Thank you for choosing to make a difference.
Talk with your RWJBarnabas Health clinical team to determine if this role is right you.
