Ask Family Caregivers How to Save Money and Create Efficiencies
We know how because we live it.
The Trump Administration announced more job cuts and consolidations last week. The goal, they say, is to create a more efficient, streamlined government.
I think it’s fair to say it’s only creating chaos.
If we want to create a better system, I think we need to let those who use the systems take the lead: Family caregivers. Family caregivers understand government inefficiency and waste because they work and interact with so many parts of the government: Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Medicare, Medicaid and other programs funded through federal and state governments. (One of the organizations impacted by last week’s announcement is Administration for Community Living, which supports older adults and family caregivers.)
We understand about the awful amount of paperwork required and the ever-changing qualifying criteria that can differ from day to day. We watch the waste of resources happen in real-time: Too much paperwork, too many redundant applications, too many phone calls, too much hold time, too much run-around.
Because we navigate, manage and advocate with 19 Caregiving Systems, we have unique perspective on how the systems only work together because we bridge the gap. Because we experience it, we understand how to change it.
The 19 Caregiving Systems are:
Climate | Community | Education | Family | Financial | Health Care | Home | Legal | Medical | Narcissism | Nervous | Payer | Provider | Relationship | Self | Social | Spiritual | Technology | Workplace
I believe family caregivers could create a really efficient and effective experience for both carees and family caregivers. When the system supports carees and family caregivers, it works for everyone.
I’d love to know: What changes would make in the systems you manage so the systems work better? When does the paperwork feel like a waste of time? When do the systems stop working? What does it take to re-start them?
Please share your thoughts in our comments section, below.
(Image by Jana Schneider from Pixabay.)
Resources
How are you? Tell us how you’re doing and about the impact of funding cuts and consolidations on you via our five-minute survey. While what’s happening inside the United States inspired our survey, please complete our survey wherever you live. (You’ll be prompted to enter your zip or postal code in the survey. You also can remain anonymous when completing the survey.)
We’re hosting Virtual Town Hall meetings in our chat room on CaringOurWay.com and Conversations on Zoom to better understand how these uncertain times are impacting you. We’d love for you to join us.
We’ll share results of our Dementia Care Family Support Pilot Program and our Impact on You survey during our Caregiving Advocacy Conference in Chicago May 15-17. Enjoy a 2 for 1 Deal through March 31. (Buy one ticket and get one ticket free.)