Enclara Health LLC and Talaria, Inc. are proud to announce the launch of the www.MyCareCommunity.org, a website for caregivers that is cost-free and easy to use. The mission of CareCommunity is to provide support to individuals who are caring for a loved one with a life-limiting illness and through this support reduce their stress . Estimates show that caregivers are at high risk for stress-related illnesses, especially depression. Between 40 to 70 percent of caregivers experience symptoms of depression, with approximately one third of these caregivers meeting the diagnostic criteria for major depression (Family Caregiver Alliance).
"When you become a caregiver you take on a whole new area of duties and responsibilities," says Gail Hudson, CareCommunity Manager. "There are doctors to talk to, insurance forms to fill out, and financial arrangements to make. You may have to learn how to be a home nurse and take over daily tasks for your loved one--all of this while you're dealing with the prospect of losing someone you love. Our goal with CareCommunity is to assist this growing population of caregivers with cost-free tools to help ease the stress of caregiving."
CareCommunity developers researched the needs of caregivers to find out how to provide optimal online support. Studies show that caregivers find stress-relief in three ways:
1) | Access to information and tools that help them become better caregivers. CareCommunity offers a thorough selection of articles and interviews featuring expert advice on all aspects of care. For example, users can access information on: pain and symptom relief; preparing advance directives; managing health insurance and finances; and dealing with family conflicts. | ||
2) | Support from other caregivers. Many caregivers don't have the time or resources to attend a support group in their community. Caregivers of an elderly person spend an average of 18-40 hours per month caregiving (Families USA Foundation, 1997). With CareCommunity, caregivers can find immediate, convenient support and companionship any time of day or night. There are forums for dialoging with other caregivers, sharing and reading personal stories, as well as posting questions to experts and other caregivers. | ||
3) | Sharing the caregiving with friends and family members. One of the most innovative features of CareCommunity is the ability for users to create their own "Private Care Page." This private web page makes it easier for caregivers to share the care of a loved one with friends and family members. Only invited members can view this page, where caregivers can post messages, resources, and important updates. There's also a "Scheduler" which allows invited members to sign up for caregiving tasks that the main caregiver has requested help with, such as driving Dad to a doctor's appointment or picking up groceries. This automated system makes it easier for the primary caregiver to ask for and organize help from others. |
CareCommunity is seeking pioneers to help build its groundbreaking national web site. Registering on the site is fast, free and completely confidential. Even if you have the support and resources you need, we invite you to join the website, www.MyCareCommunity.org, and share some of your wisdom and caregiving tips.
A grant from the National Institute for Health to help develop the site was awarded to Talaria, Inc., a healthcare technology company located in Seattle, Washington. Talaria continues to manage and guide the development of the website. The website is also sponsored by Enclara Health, a comprehensive healthcare resource organization focused exclusively on providing clarity and insightful direction for everyone involved in end-of-life care. To obtain further information on CareCommunity please contact Kristen Hodel at 303-321-3177 or khodel@enclarahealth.com.
Contacts:
Kristen Hodel, 303-321-3177
Marketing &
Communications Manager
khodel@enclarahealth.com
