NEWS

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

Education and Support for Family & Professional Caregivers

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.

The 10-hour program, conducted in five two-hour modules, addresses the needs of caregivers by bringing them together in a relaxed setting to discuss common issues, share ideas, and gain a better understanding of each other’s perspective on what it means to be a caregiver. The Program Guide is designed for health care and human service professionals who lead groups and/or conduct educational or training programs for caregivers across diseases/disability groups and throughout the lifespan.

The RCI also offers training for leaders in the format of a one-day Leader Preparation Workshop. The workshop has been approved for 5.5 hours of continuing education credit by National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). The workshop is offered through two means: (1) directly by the RCI in various locations throughout the U.S. and (2) at the request of sponsoring organizations for a maximum of 30 participants per workshop. Cost dependant upon circumstances, contact RCI if interested.

Description of Materials: The Program Guide contains a scripted narrative of the content and suggested activities; handouts for program participants; mock-ups of overhead transparencies and a CD containing slides to support presentation; written material explaining the philosophy, organization and appropriate use of the program; and appendices with supplementary information.

Restrictions on Use of Materials: The Program Guide contains mostly copyrighted material; however, permission is granted to purchasers of the guide to copy handouts for participants in the program.

Research Supporting the Curriculum/Program: The program was developed as part of a demonstration grant funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts in the mid-1990s. Content information developed for the program was based on a 1993 research study conducted by the RCI, review of relevant literature and existing programs for caregivers, and information from a task force of professional caregivers, family caregivers, and academicians. During the demonstration project, participant satisfaction evaluations were conducted and compiled for all programs offered. Additionally, pre and post program surveys were used to measure the perceived impact of the program on participants. When the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services conducted the program on an extensive basis in 1999-2001, an evaluative study was conducted by the Center for State Health Policy at Rutgers University.

To Order the Caring For me, Caring for You Program Guide:

Mail check to:

Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving,
800 GSW University Drive
Americus, GA 31709

or to order with credit card:

call (229) 928-1234

Materials Included: Program Guide

Questions? For information about the program, contact David Haigler at d_haigler@yahoo.com.