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| Caring for the Caregiver - Host Patti Moore |
By: Hosted by Patti Moore
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Patti Moore
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Patrice "Patti" Moore is the President and Founder of The Watershed Group, a 'turning point' consulting and speaking company serving hospices, health and elder care organizations, businesses, and individuals. She has more than 25 years of health care experience and is nationally recognized in the hospice field.
During her 16 year tenure as Administrator, Hospice of North Central Florida grew from a small hospice to one of the largest hospices in the country serving more than 260 patients per day. Under her leadership a succesful $4 million capital campaign resulted in an 18-bed hospice residence, administration and community service facility.
Ms. Moore is active in the National Hospice Organization and as a founding member of the National Hospice Work Group she helps shape the end of life care industry. She was chair of the National Hospice Organization's Professional Interest Network for the largest hospices in the US and served on various national committees. During her two-term presidency and 15 years as a board member of the state hospice organization (Florida Hospice and Palliative Care), she developed new and innovative initiatives to move the cause of hospice forward. She was recently invited to serve as the only community member of the University of Florida, College of Medicine, Curriculum Committee and appointed Chair of its Professionalism Task Force for medical students.
As an active member in the National Speakers Association, Patti offers keynote presentations and workshops on a variety of topics including End of Life Care issues, Hospice, Caring for Caregivers, and Healing the Healers. Her inspiring and uplifting messages come from the heart and her personal experiences.
Patrice (Patti) C. Moore
President and Founder
The Watershed Group
5745 SW 75TH ST #323
Gainesville, FL 32608
Fax: 352.495.1810
Work: 352.495.2800
Question 1 Good Morning Patti, I definitely think healthcare professionals don't give enough consideration to the caregiver, all our attention is focused on the patient. However, we often see the scenerio where the caregiver becomes exhausted or incapacitated leaving the patient in a less than ideal situation. What are some things we can do to help support the caregiver? And, do you think caregivers don't feel comfortable saying "I need help"? And what kind of resources or support is available for them? by yvette on July 11, 2000
Answer 1 - Often the recovery of patients at home is directly related to those who care for them and thier ability to cope. For example, it is not uncommon for healthcare professionals to ignore the needs of those providing the care at home and then wonder why the patient is rehospitalized when the medications were not administered properly because the caregiver could not read. Physicians and nurses should always asses the capablility and availability of caregivers and listen to thier concerns, because ultimately it will mean less calls to them and better care of the patient. There are resourses in most communities for support of caregivers, and the National Family Caregivers Association at 800 896 3944 is a great place to start. Local Area Agencies on Aging can offer many support services as well. by Patti Moore on July 11, 2000
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Question 2 - Hello Patti, Do you have any statistics on caregivers? How many exists today. I would think that as the elderly population grow, we will have more caregivers than we have ever had. What changes in society do you see will need to take place to support this group. They play such a vital role in this society. by tammy on July 12, 2000
Answer 2 - The following statistics are from the National Family Caregivers Association:
-80% of all home care is provided by family caregivers.
-The market value of services caregivers provide is valued at more thatn $194 billion per year.
-Over 75% of family caregivers are women.
-70% are between the ages of 36 and 65.
-More than 60% say they have suffered from depression due to thier caregiving experience.
-67% say frustrastion is the emotion they expereince most often.
-70% found an inner strength they didn't know they had.
As our population ages and families become more and more fractured, caregiving will have to be done by non-traditional caregivers, for example, friends, co-ops, shared communities, and since the nursing shortage is only getting worse, paid caregivers from other countries will be required resulting in more cultural shifts.
At some time or other we all will be called upon to be a caregiver, even if it is for a short] time. We will all need to discover the need for connections with others. by Patti Moore on July 12, 2000
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Question 3 - Interesting and needed forum. Patti, are you familiar with any online caregiver sites that you would recommend? Also, do you know of any hospitals that have classes for caregivers - issues they may face on an emotional level - support groups for the role of caregiving. What programs for caregivers are working? by Luke on July 12, 2000
Answer 3 - Dear Luke, thank you for the question. I would start with the National Family Caregivers Association at www.nfcacares.org. They have links to other sites that may be helpful to you. As far as caregiving support groups or classes, I would call your local hospitals, if you have many to choose from
I would go for the community based hospital first. Also, if you are over 55 years old the local Area Agency on Aging organizations usually have caregiving support. Or, calling your local hospice might be helpful as well, even though you do not need their services, they are generally well tuned into the community particullarly in terms of emotional support. If you are caring for someone with a particular disease like cancer, Alzheimers, etc, those associations may have caregiving support groups as well.
Good Luck. by Patti Moore on July 13, 2000
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Question 4 - Patti, Since Home Health Care and Long Term and Skilled care for the elderly and disabled is reimbursed by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance, do you ever forsee a time when the government and private insurance companies will be willing to try to help caregivers (family members) financially when it comes to choosing to quit the workforce to stay home to care for a loved one? by ltcnurse on July 12, 2000
Answer 4 Dear Terri, Wouldn't that be great? I do not see that happening in the near future, however, there are some states that have stipends for family members who care for loved ones. Florida has such a program I believe through the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs in Tallahassee. Patti by Patti Moore on July 13, 2000 |
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