Free Online Directory Helps Caregivers in Underserved Populations Access Dementia Support Programs
Best Programs for Caregiving, a newly-introduced online directory of evidence-based dementia caregiver support programs is making big strides in helping to expand both awareness and availability of top-rated programming in underserved rural and remote areas across the country.
Difficult-to-access geographies are a real concern to the medical and social service organizations, and many recent initiatives have been devoted to addressing these underserved areas of the aging population. This is particularly true in the case of people living with dementia and their family and friend caregivers for a number of reasons:
- There are a limited number of medical specialists in rural areas, making routine physician visits difficult
- There are fewer adult day centers, dementia care and family caregiver support services available in remote areas
- Communication channels are often limited, limiting awareness of programs and services that may be offered
- Geographical distance and transport issues hinder access to services
The new Best Programs for Caregiving website, a free online directory of nearly 50 programs available to family and friend caregivers of people living with dementia, provides easy access to information about support programs available in rural and remote communities. These programs are specifically designed to ease the burden of caregiving, improve caregiving skills, and enhance resource utilization – many of which are available in rural and remote communities.
This first-ever directory features a unique zip code look-up feature to identify programs that are offered in- person within a caregiver’s geographic area, including details on the program length, how it’s delivered, any costs associated with it, and how to enroll.
But equally important, the website includes information and enrollment details for 15 proven caregiver support programs that are available nationally in any location. These helpful programs are delivered by telephone or through live or recorded online sessions.
“Identifying and creating awareness of support programs that are available to caregivers in any region of the country is a huge breakthrough in our ability to reach areas that have been underserved because of their limited accessibility,” said Dr. David Bass, Senior Vice President of Research at Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging. “All the programs in Best Programs for Caregiving have shown to have proven effectiveness in research studies and now are compiled into one easy-to-use directory that helps caregivers living anywhere find one or more programs that best fit their needs.”
Some of the online programming is offered in a live classroom setting, but much is offered asynchronously, which allows the caregiver to accommodate their schedules to participate. And, because internet access can create a delivery limitation, some programs are offered by telephone, with appointments scheduled at the caregiver’s convenience.
Program topics include skills training and education to enhance confidence in caregiving abilities, stress-reduction and coping strategies to help improve caregivers’ physical and emotional well-being, and care coaching and care navigation services to help guide families through the caregiving journey.
“For the first time, dementia caregivers can find the support they need easily and quickly in one complete directory,” said Bass. “Additionally, people living in remote areas can find programs that are now available to them.”