The Community Advocates for Rural
Elders Partnership (CARE)

Approximately 200 individuals and organizations are members of the CARE Partnership which brings together diverse community partners for “age-friendly communities and quality, collaborative elder-care.” The collaboration of citizens, agencies, Tribal governments, and organizations seeks to increase medical providers’ involvement in improving the physical health and wellness of older adults; to transform the culture and experience of aging to increase older adult engagement in community problem-solving; and to create a sustainable, innovative model for rural elder care to share with other rural communities across the state and nation.

Successes:

• The partnership secured a two year grant from the WA Health Foundation to develop a system for the five Tribes in the area to have better access to local, non-native services and to build proactive chronic disease self-management methods into each Tribe’s health and human services delivery system.
• Created a weekly radio show around the theme of “Aging is an achievement, not a problem” which has increased awareness among older adults of their options and how to get information.
• Started an “Honoring Caregivers” program to recognize what caregivers do for their elders and give them support, through social events, a conference and eventually respite.
• Developed the “Are You OK?” program in conjunction with the local police department to check on isolated seniors.
• Created a “Neighbor to Neighbor” Action Plan to equip neighborhoods to organize around and support residents who do not have many informal supports.

Real Life Impact:

The Partnership held the first workshop for unpaid family caregivers in November titled “Starting Your Caregiver Toolbox.” Panelists spoke on practical information about “Taking Care of Yourself as You Care for Another”, “Blueprint for a Successful Doctor-Patient and Caregiver Relationship”; and “What are the Legal, Financial and Political Tools Available & How do I Access Them?”   

When the 54 participants were asked “What helped you the most?” caregivers enthusiastically responded: “I came to this workshop because I had no idea where to start or how to start thinking about providing care for my 89 year old mother.  I still don’t know all the questions to ask, but I am more confident now in being able to know where to begin looking for answers.”   “Very, very informative – gave me lots to think about, to change and to plan for.”  “I’m not feeling all alone anymore”; “This was very pertinent and to the point, gave me connections to local individuals with knowledge and support.”

A broad spectrum of Partners supported this event including. Assured Hospice, Costco Wholesale, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Home Care Referral Registry, The Home Depot, Park View Villas, QTC, Renaissance Massage and Aromatherapy, Safeway and Starbucks.