When Katie’s husband Chris was diagnosed with cancer she took on the impossible: planning his care and treatment options, while continuing to raise their four-year old daughter and work a full-time job.  

Katie’s first step was to connect with her HR department to seek support for their situation. This was when she discovered she had access to Family First.  

Upon connecting with Family First, Katie is introduced to a dedicated Care Expert that understands the unique needs of both caregiver and patient when receiving a new cancer diagnosis.  

The Care Expert Approach

The way in which a Care Expert approaches every situation is unique depending on member needs. But with every case one thing remains the same: they go above and beyond to solve the complexities of getting the right care and resources in place to support the caregiver and the person needing care.  

For Katie & Chris, his cancer diagnosis is not only hard on him, but devastating for his family. That’s why assessing and prioritizing the needs of both Katie & Chris as they begin this new health journey together is critical from the start. 

Early on, Katie is introduced to the Digital Care Hub and her Care Expert helps them identify a support network, while establishing boundaries on the type of support they are seeking. By doing this, they are able to bring in support early on to request meals, rides, and childcare assistance. All on their terms. 

Katie is continuously encouraged to leverage the features of the Digital Care Hub, which allows her real-time access to her and Chris’ care plan, Care Expert support, collaboration, and secure storage of information. 

Throughout this journey, Katie’s Care Expert provides support in several ways over the course of many months, including: 

• Education and availability of genetic testing options, along with a cost analysis after Chris’ treating care team makes this recommendation 
  
  
• Research on local care navigators, advocates, and clinical trials should they choose to pursue genetic testing and treatment  
  
  
• Information and help understanding Chris’ disability benefits, as well as options to receive additional financial support 
  
  
• Beginning the claim process for Chris’ disability benefits and coverage to provide financial relief 
  
  
• In addition to helping Katie establish self-care habits, Katie is made aware of other mental health and employee assistance program (EAP) resources through her employer 
  
  
• Arranging appointments for Katie with an EAP supported financial counseling benefit and personal money coach to build an action plan to help with financial planning 
  
  
• Provide education and referrals to community partners for help with childcare and transportation

Once Chris feels well enough to prepare to return to work, his Care Expert works with him to ensure a successful return. An important step in this process was to schedule a virtual call with Chris, Katie, and Chris’ treating providers to discuss what Chris should expect, symptoms to be aware of, how to request accommodations at work, and any needed supporting documentation, which is all recorded in their Digital Care Hub. 

Simultaneously, their Care Expert continues to engage with Katie until she indicates she feels secure and supported enough to manage her family, as well as her own well-being successfully. 

Katie was a hero for her family. With Family First in her corner, she knows she has a champion in her Care Expert to offer support any time she needs it.