Topics in Behavioral Health Care Volume 24 Issue 4

Navigating Medical, Health Plan, Social Service, and Other Systems

Dennis C. Daley, PhD, Debra Kagen, Patti McCloud February 12, 2026 14 min read

Our two previous articles discussed caregiving as a public health problem; types, recipients, and challenges of caregiving; and the effects of caregiving on the health and functioning of caregivers. This article focuses on navigating multiple systems, organizations, or businesses involved with a person who needs caregiving. We also discuss end-of-life issues as some caregiving recipients have a terminal illness. 

The types of caregiving and help a loved one needs depends on their health, functioning, and people, organizations, and companies with whom families interact. Some loved ones require total caregiving and many medical products while others need limited help, support or medical products. 

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