Day in the Life of Health Home Care Coordinator Sheryl Goldberg

Across New York City’s five boroughs, in homes filled with stories and challenges, NYC Health + Hospitals’ Care Coordinators arrive as a personalized support system. Their visits carry more than medical guidance and important connections to a range of social services. They bring reassurance, dignity, and the quiet reminder that care can reach every corner of the city, turning ordinary spaces into places of healing and hope.

In our latest Day in the Life photo essay we headed out to Queens to follow NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, Community Care, Coordinating Manager Sheryl Goldberg and capture some intimate moments where health care meets everyday life, showing how her presence can bridge the gap between our health care system and the human stories unfolding across our great city.

*Care meets community. Sheryl Goldberg, gray coat, meets her patient bright and early to accompany them to a doctor’s appointment at Elmhurst Hospital.*

“My days usually start very early. Sometimes I leave my home and head directly to a patient’s home, to do a visit or to accompany them to a doctor’s appointment. It’s one of the ways my role cements the connection with our health system.”

“You would be surprised what you learn sometimes through simple small talk with an individual. Whether gently asking “how has it been?” or “anything new?” …you can learn so much about how someone has been since the last time you saw them.”

More than just a walk to an appointment, during these moments, Sheryl takes the time to gently check-in with the patient, turning the journey into an act of care.

Convenient access. NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst serves a very diverse community, and its location and comprehensive suite of services simplifies access to important health care for residents.

*Side by side, a quiet walk toward care—where presence speaks louder than words.*

“It takes a lot of effort, empathy and compassion to build a strong trusting relationship with my patients. And it takes time. These connections are very important because it can positively affect their health and wellness and trust in our health care system.”

Despite a bustling waiting area, Sheryl’s presence offers reassurance in the quiet pause before seeing the care provider.

True connection. Built on trust, care, empathy, compassion, acceptance and inclusiveness, Sheryl’s relationship with patients helps to ensure a clear pathway to their health and wellness.

“We advocate for our patients and help them navigate the complexities of our health care systems while building a relationship based on trust, emotional, and holistic care. Fostering the growth of a positive relationship built upon trust and watching it form between the patient and me is very fulfilling. I regard trust as the foundation to empower the patient to achieve their goals and improve their health.”

*Sheryl makes a pit-stop in the office to catch up on important documentation and administrative tasks.*

“My supervisors and colleagues are incredibly positive and supportive. We have an amazing work culture here at Elmhurst Hospital and Community Care. They make coming into work every day an incredibly joyful and uplifting experience.”

*Off to the next home visit, Sheryl’s work epitomizes meeting the patient where they are.*

While Sheryl’s work requires tactfulness, a listening ear and steady presence, it carries with it a promise: dignity and connection.

Guiding hands, digital doors: here Sheryl helps her patient set up her mobile email, turning technology into a tool for connection and access to care and services.

In these spaces—where laughter can sometimes signal worry, and where resilience is stitched into daily life—Sheryl’s work becomes a quiet act of grace. The patient successfully accessed her email and is even more connected to our health care system.

These intimate exchanges of information, helping to complete forms, to assisting with phone calls, Sheryl’s work opens doors to nourishment and support—reminding us that care is not only about medicine, but about dignity, stability, and the simple act of being seen.

Light moments and fond farewell. After a productive visit with her patient, it’s smiles and a fond farewell until next time.

“Elmhurst Hospital serves the most culturally diverse community of patients in the world, including those who are recent immigrants and undocumented, so being culturally sensitive and utilizing our language lines to ensure we communicate in our patients’ preferred language is essential to ensuring our patients feel cared for and respected.”

*For the patient, this visit is more than care—it is recognition, companionship, and the comfort of knowing they are not alone.*

“I enjoy empowering our patents by making them feel like there is someone on their side who truly cares. Through personalized care, education, and advocacy, we bridge access to care by meeting patients where they are at—in the community—to help them manage their health and wellness while guiding them to fulfill their personal goals of health, education, employment, and having a more fulfilling role in their own communities and lives.”

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