The problem is real, and growing. One in five Virginians provides care for an older adult – a parent, spouse or friend. most of them also are trying to hold down a job. It’s a significant challenge but there is “strength in numbers.” Working with other like-minded organizations, you can extend your reach and multiply your impact.

We Want To Support Caregivers, Where Do We Start?

There are nearly 700,000 family caregivers in the Commonwealth of Virginia, providing 746 million hours of care with an annual market value of $6.5 million (year 2000 dollars).* Caregivers need service providers’ support to provide care and take care of themselves. Caregiver Coalitions are important advocates for caregivers.

You don’t have to start from scratch. Below are links to valuable resources from existing coalitions. Use the materials. Adapt them to your community’s needs.

• Getting Started
• Making the Case
• Assembling the Tools
• Spreading the Word
• Find helpful information on Caregiver Coalitions in your area.
  • Richmond Region
  • Roanoke Region
  • Statewide

If you’re already involved in a coalition, please share the wealth of your experiences with other community coalitions across Virginia by contacting info@employedcaregivers.org.

* http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org/pdfs/state_stats.pdf

EmployedCaregivers.org is sponsored by SeniorNavigator.org, Virginia's award winning program for seniors, their families and caregivers.