"There is no clear entry point to the system. You find yourself as a caregiver and there is no Point A, Point B, etc. Is it a sort of faith-based/community referral service?" |
"An important issue is one of self-identification. Caregivers don't even know that they are caregivers and this is the very potent force if they could know that." |
"Within families, a major concern is communication and decision-making. Show the rewards when a family functions well." |
"Caregiving is difficult but like all things that are difficult, if it's the right thing to do, it will enrich your life. Successful caregivers have living-is-learning attitude, and that's how caregiving should be portrayed." |
"Some care consumers, especially those with early onset Alzheimer's, need legal protections. Where do you draw that line when the spouse or children are assuming legal authorities when, in fact, it may be a violation of the care consumer's civil rights?" |
"A big issue is the relationships between community and national or state programs. Can the series clear up some of the confusion over how these organizations are different and how they work together and how, in some cases, they may overlap?" |
"There should be some idea of best practices when we talk about the community resources and such (paid and non-paid services) because this is really where people are connecting." |
"How do you improve the flow of information from federal agencies to caregivers?" |
"Letting go and the difficulties of transitioning to formal, professional care (such as a nursing home); how caregiving doesn't stop even if you are paying for it (making decisions, etc.)" |
"Family responsibility. Caregiving advocates could win every battle that they fight, from healthcare reform to tax breaks, but caregiving responsibilities still fall on the family." |
"Let's never lose sight of the care consumer. Sensitivity is most important." |
"Caregivers don't like to be made out to be heroes or romanticized in any way. What should be portrayed about caregiving is exactly what it is." |
"Caregiving is a continuous series of choices for individuals and individual families." |
"Caregiving can easily isolate the caregiver and care consumer, even from other family members." |
"Many developing societies revere the aged, so family caregiving (as a unit) may occur more easily; it certainly presents an alternative view." |
