Caregiver Services Network Launches July 1

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CaregiverCaregiver Services Network (CSN), a newly formed network of high quality, affordable products and services essential to family caregiving, is launching in Central Florida in July.

CSN is comprised of several local non-profit providers who have come together to make it easier for family caregivers to purchase services–such as adult day care and transportation assistance–from many organizations in one convenient location.

Its creation was made possible with the support of a two-year, $100,000 grant from the Winter Park Health Foundation (WPHF).

“We know caregivers are often juggling so many responsibilities that their own health is compromised,” said Diana Silvey, WPHF Program Director for Older Adults. “Our hope is that CSN will provide an opportunity for caregivers to purchase needed services to help decrease their level of stress.”caregiver_services_network_medium

In addition to providing convenience for the family caregiver, CSN represents a marketing opportunity for the non-profit providers who historically, have relied heavily on government funds to provide services for people with limited resources. If CSN members can produce and market their products and services directly to the consumer at a competitive rate, they will enhance their organizations’ financial viability by diversifying revenue sources. Such income diversification is healthy as government funds continue to dwindle.

The launch of CSN is timely given the Caregiving in the U.S. 2015 report released earlier this month by the National Alliance for Caregiving and the AARP Public Policy Institute.  Some highlights from the study include:

  • 82% care for one person who is likely either living with the caregiver or living within 20 minutes of the caregiver.
  • 60% of caregivers are female. The typical caregiver is a 49-year-old female caring for a 69-year-old female relative, most likely her mother.
  • 40% of caregivers are male.
  • 34% of caregivers have a full-time job, while 25% work part time. Caregivers who work do so for 34.7 hours per week on average.
  • Caregivers have been caring for four years on average, spending 24.4 hours per week helping with activities like bathing, dressing, housework, and managing finances.
  • 32% provide at least 21 hours of care a week, on average providing 62.2 hours of care weekly.
  • 38% of caregivers report high emotional stress from the demands of caregiving.

CSN hopes its key message, “Multiple services, one trusted source,” will resonate with caregivers who recognize that they need help. Beginning July 1, 2015, CSN will be marketed through the website www.caregiverservicesnetwork.org, a live 24-hour call answering service, social media, and via member websites and newsletters.  Members of CSN include Center for Independent Living, ITN Orlando, Lutheran Counseling Center, Lutheran Haven Home Healthcare, LLC, Seniors First, and Share the Care.