We Need Conversations About Resources
We need real-time talk, rather than databases, about what’s available.
In August of 2019, I connected with an organization that offered a database of providers as an employee benefit. Employees searched the database when they needed help in their community for their carees.
During our conversation, I realized that the provider database no longer provides value because so much changes so quickly. I’m also a member of a provider networking group in the state of Illinois. I know how often individuals change jobs within the provider space. The admissions director that helped you when you admitted your mother in June could be the admissions director for the facility five minutes away in July.
In addition, ownership with the provider space changes regularly. Just this week, a colleague shared news that her facility was sold. Home care agencies and long-term care facilities merge and sell regularly within the space.
Keeping provider listings up-to-date with contact information, availability and eligibility is a heavy lift for any organization because it requires daily manpower to update listings. Without up-to-date information, a database becomes almost useless. It also creates an incredibly frustrating experience for a family caregiver. Family caregivers need relevant, timely information.
Instead of provider databases, we need regular conversations with other family caregivers in our community. We stay up-to-date on which resources can help when we connect regularly to talk out:
which resources we use,
which providers have changed,
which agencies have available staff and
which programs have revised eligibility.
We want these conversations about community resources to be part of the Virtual Caregiving Town Hall meetings we’ll host on CaringOurWay.com. We want family caregivers to share honestly about their experiences so we can capture data and stories. We also want to facilitate conversations so family caregivers can save time in the search for resources in their communities.
We’d love for you to host a Virtual Caregiving Town Hall for family caregivers in your community. We’ll host the conversation in the chat room on CaringOurWay.com and create an agenda for you. We’ll help you collect both stories and data which become invaluable metrics. You invite family caregivers in your community to join you. Most important, we can archive your chat to create a document you share with your Representatives which illustrates the problems and challenges. You become the Caregiving Ambassador in your community to spearhead change.
Please join me on March 9 at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT, 5 p.m. PT) to learn more about how you can lead these important conversations. Join our Caring Advocacy & Awareness Volunteers group on Caring Our Way and then head to the Events section to register for our March 9 event. We’ll record our event in case you can’t join us live. Register to be notified when our recording is available.
We look forward to bringing an effective conversation to your community about caregiving.
Resources
The Caring Awards honor those who make a difference in the lives of family caregivers. We’re currently accepting nominations for these categories: Event or Conference, Product, and Work of Art. Your $10 entry fee will be added to our Family Caregiver Relief Fund in order to send $500 to help a family caregiver in need. Details.
Our Certified Grief Facilitator training is now available! I created this program based on my 30 years of supporting those who grieve coupled with my own insights about grief after my brother’s sudden death in August 2021. Our live four-hour training happens on the first Friday at 9 a.m. ET or on the second Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET. Use coupon code support (it’s just support) to save 20% when you enroll. Enroll in our Certified Grief Facilitator training.
Registration is open for The Caring Conference: Our Treasured Transformations. Join us on March 25 for this free day-long event to gain insights into your transformations. When you join us, you’ll be entered into a chance to win free enrollment in our Certified Caregiving Consultant training program, a $3,000 value. What’s it like to win? Patty Sherin, who joined our November conference and won free enrollment in our CCC program, shares about her experience. You’ll also meet Christine A. Smith, who attended our November event and will present during this month’s event.