Caregivercare.ca

Changing Mindsets! Since I have been working in the Family Caregiving space, I think the largest task is Changing Mindsets. Caregivers have been called the "Invisible Workforce" and the "Backbone of the Healthcare System". In 2002, Roy Romanow in his Future of Healthcare in Canada, charged that Canada's healthcare system was not sustainable without family caregivers' unpaid care work. Back in 2019 when we were working on the Caregiver-Centered Care Competency Framework-- the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that health providers need to support family caregivers, researcher Rhoda Macrae from the University of the West of Scotland observed, "We have to value care as much as we value cure." In 2017 in Family Caregiving: A Vision for the Future Richard Schulz and Sara Czaja noted that “Healthcare delivery simultaneously ignores and relies heavily on family caregivers to provide ongoing support to older adults with cognitive issues, physical impairments, and/or advancing complex conditions.”  So, in our patient-focused health systems, how do we ensure that the Family Caregiver's Role and Family Caregiver's work are visible, recognized, and valued? How do we change mindsets to ensure that family caregivers are included as partners on healthcare teams and supported to sustain care and maintain their own health? First of all, we are not alone! Many people and organizations are working to change mindsets. In Canada, Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, Family Caregivers of BC, Caregivers Alberta The Ontario Caregiver Organization ONTARIO CAREGIVER COALITION Caregivers Nova Scotia. Absolutely thrilled to present with Family Carers Ireland, CARERS SCOTLAND LIMITED, and Eurocarers in sub-plenary at the International Foundation for Integrated Care (IFIC) #ICIC24 and a couple of workshops with Kerry Kuluski in Belfast. There are some resources about changing mindsets! From FSG Reimagining Social Change: The Systems of Water Change https://lnkd.in/d_sPxwaq From the FrameWorks Institute: Is it care or is it work? https://lnkd.in/g3ZUe7v8 Is It Care, Or Is It Work? Cultural Mindsets of Care Work in the United States https://lnkd.in/gabKA9dm And if you want to be a Caregiver Champion-- we have education for that Caregivercare.ca (www.caregivercare.ca)

Recruiting Caregiver-Centered Care Champions to Co-Design a Caregiver-Centered Care Community of Practice We are excited to invite health, social, and community care providers interested in supporting family caregivers to join Dr. Jasneet Parmar's Caregiver-Centered Care Team in co-designing a Caregiver-Centered Care Community of Practice. This initiative aims to foster collaboration and support among stakeholders in health, social, and community care sectors to better serve family caregivers. Objectives of the Study: Co-design the structure and resources of a Community of Practice focused on supporting family caregivers. 2.   Identify key priorities for the Caregiver-Centered Care Community of Practice. 3.   Explore participants’ perceptions and experiences throughout the co-design process. Who Should Join: Are you a healthcare provider passionate about advancing Caregiver-Centered Care within your organization and community? Have you completed any of the Caregiver-Centered Care Education modules or can commit to completing one hour of online education? Visit www.caregivercare.ca for free modules. If you are enthusiastic about co-creating a supportive environment for family caregivers and can envision ways to enhance their recognition and support, we invite you to participate in this study. Participant Responsibilities: · Attend three 1-hour Zoom meetings to co-design the format and content of the Caregiver-Centered Care Champions Community of Practice. · Complete at least one module of the Caregiver-Centered Care Education. · Provide feedback through brief surveys after each meeting (approx. 10 minutes each). · Participate in a 30 to 60-minute individual interview about your experience in the co-design process. Meetings will be: September 23, 2024, 12 to 1 PM October 21, 2024, 1- 2 PM November 18, 2024, 12-1 PM Honoria: Participants will receive a $200 honorarium for their valuable contributions to the study. Interested? Please contact Jennifer Mallamo, our Education Facilitator, at [email protected], or Dr. Sharon Anderson, our Research Coordinator, at [email protected], to express your interest in participating. Ethics Approval: University of Alberta Ethics Pro00144023 Your insights and participation will play a crucial role in shaping a supportive network for family caregivers. We look forward to your involvement.

Time Use and Well-Being in Family and Other Unpaid Caregivers of Older Adults Sol Baik, Amanda Lehning, Paul Sacco Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia University of Maryland School of Social Work Overall, the study emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach to support caregivers, recognizing the diversity of their experiences and the unique challenges they face based on their time-use profiles. By addressing these needs, we can enhance caregiver well-being and improve the quality of care provided to older adults. What do caregivers need? 1. Tailored Support Programs: Given the distinct time-use profiles identified (Overloaded, Flexible, and Occupied), support programs should be tailored to meet the specific needs of each group. For instance, caregivers in the Overloaded profile may benefit from respite care services or time management training to help alleviate their burdens, while those in the Flexible profile might need resources that enhance their caregiving skills without overwhelming their schedules. 2. Mental Health Resources: The significant correlation between caregiving profiles and anxiety levels suggests that mental health resources should be made readily available to caregivers, particularly those in the Occupied profile who experience higher stress. Providing access to counseling, support groups, and stress management workshops can help mitigate anxiety and improve overall well-being. 3. Flexible Caregiving Options: Encouraging flexible caregiving arrangements can help caregivers balance their responsibilities. This could include policies that allow for flexible work hours or remote work options for employed caregivers, enabling them to manage their caregiving duties more effectively. 4. Education and Training: Offering education and training on caregiving techniques and self-care strategies can empower caregivers, particularly those in the Overloaded and Occupied profiles. This can help them feel more competent in their roles and reduce feelings of burden and anxiety. 5. Community Support Networks: Building community support networks that connect caregivers with each other can provide emotional support and practical assistance. These networks can facilitate sharing of resources, experiences, and coping strategies, which can be particularly beneficial for those feeling isolated in their caregiving roles. https://bit.ly/46c06vh Yes, services and support tailored to family caregivers needs, to care and to maintain their own wellbeing. Sol Baik, Amanda Lehning, Paul Sacco Weldon, we also think that health care providers need to be educated to support family caregivers! See our Competency-based Caregiver-Centered Care Education Free online www.caregivercare.ca

An Independent Report on reforming health and social care-- Integrated Care Time to act: A roadmap for reforming care and support in England Road Map for Action 1. Reimagine care and support with people who draw on it 2. Improve assessment and planning to put people in the lead  3. Increase community capacity for wellbeing and prevention 4. More people live at home, or in a place they call home 5. Better support for carers 5. Join up care and support for fulfilled lives 6. More accessible and affordable for everyone 7. Diverse and sustainable providers, focused on outcomes 8. Harness the potential of digital technology 9. Redesign and reward the workforce  https://bit.ly/3LuqUNC

Understanding the Challenges of Caregiving while Working with Susan Reinhard S&P Global's Nathan Hunt joined by Susan Reinhard, Senior Vice President and Director of the AARP Public Policy Institute, to explore the challenges faced by working caregivers and the importance of supporting them in the workplace. https://bit.ly/3xSSGAr

Funding Opportunity to Embed Caregiver Centered Care in Alberta Continuing Care Settings -- Continuing Care Homes A & B and Home and Community Care. Apply by August 31, 2024 https://lnkd.in/gQ95AbKn

From University of Saskatchewan News It's personal for donor Jim Berry Retired math teacher supports Dr. Ron Geyer’s Alzheimer’s research By PATRICIA DAWN ROBERTSON Jul 8, 2024 “I’m still a person, aren’t I?” Joanne Berry asked her husband, Jim. “That statement just dropped me to my knees,” Berry confessed from the couple’s home in Sherwood Park, Alberta. In 2016, Joanne Berry was formally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Jim, a retired math teacher, tackled the problem with vigour and curiosity. Joanne trained and practised for 23 years as a registered nurse (RN). Now it was Jim’s turn to be the caretaker. “Joanne fights so hard every day just to do simple functions. That gives me the inspiration to fight for her. Because it’s not her; it’s the disease.” “Saskatchewan is a great place to conduct these trials,” says Dr. Geyer. “We have the infrastructure, the medical expertise, the space and the equipment.” To finance phase two of NeuroEPO clinical trials, Dr. Geyer and his team need donor support. Read the article: https://bit.ly/3W8kLf6 Ron Geyer

How can we ensure that family caregivers maintain their well-being while caring for patients? Optimizing better health and care for older adults and their family caregivers: A review of geriatric approaches Beth Fields, Blair P. Golden, Kate Perepezko Mary Wyman Joan M. Griffin Why should we be concerned about the caregiver's wellbeing? Around 24.4% of adults aged 45-64 and 18.8% of adults aged 65 and older care for a family member or friend. One-third of caregivers provide at least 20 hours of care per week, often for two years or more. The economic value of caregiving rose from $470 billion in 2017 to $600 billion in 2021. The number of caregivers is increasing, and the demand and value of their services are expected to grow significantly as the population ages. The authors suggest various ways to support the health and care needs of family caregivers: 1. Recognize family caregivers as essential partners in care teams and include them in care plans. 2. Involve family caregivers in the evaluation and treatment plans of older adults. 3. Provide dedicated time and support for family caregivers within healthcare systems. 4. Ensure healthcare professionals are trained to work effectively with family caregivers. 5. Create financial incentives for caregiver training and support. 6. Strengthen partnerships with caregivers through education, practice, and research. 7. Equip caregivers with the skills and tools they need to support future care needs. These strategies aim to improve the well-being of family caregivers and enhance the care they provide to older adults. https://bit.ly/4eYqc8Y Check out our Caregiver-Centered Care Education for Health and Community Care Providers who interact with family caregivers. www.caregivercare.ca

Yesterday, I asked a health provider if caregivers were included in a patient pathway. The answer: "No, typically these patients can make decisions for themselves." My question-- "Yes but can they care for themselves?" So this morning some of those overlooked family caregivers-- Needs of Family Caregiver with Lower Limb Amputations: A Scoping Review. Diana Rodrigues, Rosa Silva, Sofia Castanheira Luís Carvalho Cristina Pinto Universidade do Porto Key Findings on the Needs of Family Caregivers of Individuals with Lower Limb Amputations The review highlights critical areas to inform future research and healthcare practices. Health providers should support family caregivers by providing: 1. Mental Health Support: Caregivers face traumatic stress and emotional strain. Prioritizing their psychological well-being is essential. 2. Physical Health Needs: Exhaustion and physical strain are common. Supporting caregivers in managing their physical health is crucial. 3. Social Support: A robust support network can alleviate caregiver burden and stress, emphasizing the importance of social connections. 4. Educational Needs: Many caregivers lack training in essential tasks. Educational programs are vital to enhance their skills and knowledge. 5. Structured Support Programs: Developing programs that offer training, skill-building, and ongoing support can improve caregivers' well-being and the quality of care they provide. 6. Assessment and Tailored Interventions: Regularly assessing caregivers' needs and capabilities helps tailor effective support interventions. These insights underscore the multifaceted needs of family caregivers and highlight areas where we can improve support and care outcomes. 🌟 #Healthcare #Caregiving #MentalHealth #SupportNetworks #Education #Research

Yesterday, I asked a health provider if caregivers were included in a patient pathway. The answer: "No, typically these patients can make decisions for themselves." My question-- "Yes but can they care for themselves?" So this morning some of those overlooked family caregivers-- Needs of Family Caregiver with Lower Limb Amputations: A Scoping Review. Diana Rodrigues, Rosa Silva, Sofia Castanheira Luís Carvalho Cristina Pinto Universidade do Porto Key Findings on the Needs of Family Caregivers of Individuals with Lower Limb Amputations The review highlights critical areas to inform future research and healthcare practices. Health providers should support family caregivers by providing: 1. Mental Health Support: Caregivers face traumatic stress and emotional strain. Prioritizing their psychological well-being is essential. 2. Physical Health Needs: Exhaustion and physical strain are common. Supporting caregivers in managing their physical health is crucial. 3. Social Support: A robust support network can alleviate caregiver burden and stress, emphasizing the importance of social connections. 4. Educational Needs: Many caregivers lack training in essential tasks. Educational programs are vital to enhance their skills and knowledge. 5. Structured Support Programs: Developing programs that offer training, skill-building, and ongoing support can improve caregivers' well-being and the quality of care they provide. 6. Assessment and Tailored Interventions: Regularly assessing caregivers' needs and capabilities helps tailor effective support interventions. These insights underscore the multifaceted needs of family caregivers and highlight areas where we can improve support and care outcomes. 🌟 #Healthcare #Caregiving #MentalHealth #SupportNetworks #Education #Research