An E-Newsletter of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving

First Three Focus Networks of NQCN Identified

Based on the preliminary recommendations that came out of the National Summit in October, the RCI has launched the National Quality Care Network (NQCN). One of the core activities of the NQCN is: identifying, disseminating and developing evidence-based interventions, clinical guidelines, standards of care, and workforce development strategies to achieve quality in long-term, home and community-based care.

It is our aim to develop a national network of people and organizations who are pioneers and leaders in these areas,” said Dr. Richard Birkel, Executive Director of the RCI. “The RCI will facilitate communication within that network, and help members learn from one another what works and what does not.”

The RCI recognizes that there are many strategies to achieve quality, so our plan is to create separate “focus networks” within the larger NQCN; each of the focus networks being devoted to a particular “strategy” aimed at achieving quality.

Quality Care Connections, a partnership of Johnson and Johnson and the RCI, is supporting the first focus network of the National Quality Care Network (NQCN). This network of researchers and agencies is working to implement evidence-based programs for Alzheimer's caregivers in five diverse communities in New York, Texas, New Jersey, Alabama and Vermont.

Learn How to Evaluate Services for Senior Care and Housing

The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving at Georgia Southwestern State University presents a Telephone Learning Series session, Finding Quality Care – Evaluating Services for your Loved One. The public is invited to take advantage of the FREE session, which will help listeners evaluate services for loved ones who need senior care and/or housing. The session will be held Thursday, March 20 at 2 p.m. ET.

Second Edition of Caring for You, Caring for Me Curriculum Available from RCI

Caring for You, Caring for Me is a training program for family and professional caregivers, created by the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving to help caregivers

• Gain information on various topics related to caregiving

• Learn ways of coping with the stresses and strains of being a caregiver

• Learn what resources are available locally, regionally and nationally

• Discover ways of working together to reduce frustrations and barriers in the caregiving experience

• Share common concerns and issues.

GEORGIA NEWS

Rosalynn Carter Institute and its partner CARE-NETs are launching a "focus network" to be part of the National Quality Care Network. The Georgia Quality Care Network (GQCN), supported by a grant from the Healthcare Georgia Foundation, will work to improve the quality of long-term, home and community-based care by providing statewide training of caregivers in evidence-based programs.

Healthcare Georgia Grantees Convene at the Rosalynn Carter Institute

In 2007, The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving became part of a set of grantees in Georgia challenged with the task of improving the skills of both paid and family caregivers in our state. This major workforce development initiative was launched by the Healthcare Georgia Foundation.

The Healthcare Georgia Foundation was created in 1999 as an independent, private foundation. The Healthcare Georgia Foundation’s mission is to advance the health of all Georgians and to expand access to affordable, quality healthcare for underserved individuals and communities.

The RCI along with three additional Healthcare Georgia grantees met in Americus on February 7 to discuss their individual projects, to identify opportunities and challenges as it relates to long-term care home and community-based services, and to collaborate on ideas for workforce development in the field.

LOCAL / CAMPUS NEWS

The Pope Fellowship Program is attracting the best and brightest students hoping to become leaders in the caregiving field. As the 2008-09 application deadline arrived in mid-February, the RCI received a record number of applications from students desiring to pursue the Caregiving Specialty Certificate at Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) in conjunction with their bachelor’s degree.

Help RCI Support More Caregivers

Your generosity can help ensure that the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving will continue to be the leader in providing research, education and support for caregivers in Americus, Georgia and across the nation. This important work is only possible through the continued generosity of our supporters. There are a variety of ways in which a gift can be made to our organization.