Embed
We need to embed support, training and help in the family caregiver’s life.
Over the years, so much of the conversation about supporting family caregivers landed on this topic: Family caregivers don’t self identify.
Over the past 20 years, I regularly expressed concern that focusing on what family caregivers called themselves meant we had the wrong conversation. That discussion derailed what we needed to do: Create support and help and training programs that served family caregivers.
We needed to create a solution that family caregivers identified as being what they needed.
We missed that boat, according to recent research from Age of Majority:
Eight in 10 (80%) family caregivers are interested in paying for products or services to help them manage
Almost nine in 10 (87.9%) cannot identify any companies that stand out in helping them as caregivers.
The family caregiver’s call for help is our call to action. It’s time to bring solutions to the family caregiver.
We need to embed support, help and training in the family caregiver’s day, like through:
A Care Squad that makes regular visits to the family caregiver and caree to provide resources, referrals and support. (We’re launching a Virtual Care Squad, which includes a Certified Caregiving Consultant, a Comfort Care Family Coach and a direct care worker, in January to offer a team of support for family caregivers.)
A Care Hub that lives in the community, like in the library, so family caregivers can reach out for help and support to known resource. Family caregivers don’t have to guess what to google; they simply call or visit their local library. Health care professionals, like doctors, can make a referral from memory rather: “For help and support, visit your local library.” Imagine hearing on your caree’s Diagnosis Day that you can visit the library to connect to resources that can help.
A Caregiving Department in our workplace so working family caregivers can talk out tough decisions, like when to take time off, with a staff that understands because they’ve been there, done that.
We need to be where family caregivers are. We need to be embedded in their lives so they don’t have to guess which organizations help. We can’t keep them guessing. We have to show up with help and support.
(Image by MetsikGarden from Pixabay.)
Resources
Join our 36-Hour Christmas Chat to receive our good company.
Check out our newest level of training, Comfort Care Family Coach training, and enroll before our January 2 price increase.
Be of Service on January 16: Volunteer as a Caregiving Listener or Story-Teller