Family Caregiver Support Program Cindy Clark VNA of Western PA PHA 40 th Annual Conference May 18, 2011

Taking Charge Objectives for Caregivers: Support Education Pampering Assist with Coping Reduce stress Remain healthy Optimize care giving ability

Best Practice Issue: Need in communities for care and support of over 40 million caregivers in USA today Previous Shining Stars Program offered full day of outreach for caregivers and need was voiced for more programs VNA researched caregiver issues and began building enhanced programs for caregivers

Plan to Resolve Issue: The Family Caregivers Alliance (FCA) Best Practice Models for education and support Framework built for “Taking Charge: A Program to Empower Family Caregivers” Grant obtained to launch one year program Monthly sessions held while care giving services were provided to the attendees loved ones on-site or in their homes Sessions included group discussion, education on caregiver issues, lunch, guidance in setting realistic goals for holistic health improvement and completion of individualized “Take Charge Action Plan”, a unique tool designed by VNA

Method to Evaluate Outcome: Participants completed evaluation midway through year and at end Likert Scale analysis showed improvement in areas of high satisfaction with program Group continued to meet on their own after the year’s program was complete! Repeat funding for year two was granted secondary evaluation results

Replication and Sustainability: Train the Trainer program developed called “Creating Successful Programs to Empower Family Caregivers” Offered to leaders of community organizations who have caregiver constituents Workshop was presented at PHN Conference VNA continues to offer caregiver support such as lending library, one on one counseling, resource guide and website:

Empower Caregivers: We can… …gain confidence in our abilities to bring about positive changes in our caregiving circumstances. …learn to rise above The day-to-day challenges we face And gain energy to power ourselves To do what it takes. …learn to manage caregiving Rather than let it overwhelm us. …strive for a better quality of life For ourselves And for our families.

Thank you! Taking Charge Program was developed by: Jolene Formaini, RN, MA, CT Certified in Thanatology: Dying, Death and Bereavement Bereavement Coordinator, VNA Hospice