Family Caregiver Support Program
Marian Regional Medical Center and its leadership developed an innovative program in 2016 to address the needs and burden of caregiving. A caregiver is defined as a family member, friend or neighbor who manages the day-to-day responsibilities and the medical care for an adult with chronic medical conditions. The Family Caregiver Program is staffed by Licensed Clinical Social Workers, who provide professional services to caregivers at no cost. Services are provided both in person and telephonically. This innovative program is available to caregivers in Northern Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County. The goals of the program are to:
- reduce the burden and stress of caregiving
- improve the quality of life for caregivers
- educate and link the caregiver about/to resources
- reduce the number of hospitalizations and emergency room visits
This program marks a shift from patient care to the caregivers themselves, oftentimes an invisible and underserved support system for patients in our communities. Programming is designed to engage with caregivers to support and empower them as an integral part of the health care team. This program provides Caregivers 3 months of support and case management and referrals to counseling services and educational opportunities. Also provided are direct referrals on behalf of the caregiver to other resources in our community, such as respite care, home delivered meals, home safety modification, transportation, and more. Spanish language interpreters are available.
Educational topics for caregivers include “Powerful Tools for Caregivers,” a 6-week course that helps caregivers develop skills to reduce stress, communicate effectively, manage emotions and make tough decisions.
For a referral and information, please call (805) 332-8590 or (805) 614-2085.