ABC Targets Letter Perfect Caregiving
Dr. David J. Demko, gerontologist and editor
AgeVenture News Service 06-03-03
The American Business Collaboration (ABC) and National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
(n4a) have launched a new, timely, and unique initiative in the service of Older Americans
called "Supporting Working Caregivers: A Self-Assessment Tool for Community Agencies".
The effort will address the needs of the nation's 29 million Americans who care for aging family
members, a number that is expected to grow to 34 million by 2007 according to the
National Survey of Families and Households (2000).
At this very moment, one in eight American workers are struggling to meet their family,
caregiving, and employment obligations costing American companies $29 billion each year.
In response, the American Business Collaboration (ABC) recently conducted a symposium facilitated by
n4a with local sponsors Exxon Mobil, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Merrill Lynch, Pfizer,
Prudential and Wyeth in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The symposium focused on identifying
the strategies necessary to improve services for employed caregivers and their elder loved ones.
The five-page self-assessment tool, developed by area agencies on aging along with business
leaders and caregivers, helps evaluate how agency staff and clients view the agency’s
responsiveness to caregiver needs. Agencies are encouraged to
use the assessment feedback to develop ways to address gaps in service. The checklist
focuses on how well agencies:
- build quality relationships with caregivers,
- recognize the cultural differences among caregivers and older adults,
- provide access to information and communicate with caregivers,
- anticipate caregiver needs, and
- offer caregiver-friendly program elements.
Chris Kjeldsen, Vice-President for Community & Workplace Programs, at Johnson & Johnson, an ABC
Champion company said, “Johnson & Johnson believes that it has a responsibility to its employees
and the communities in which we all live and work.” N4a Chief Executive Officer, Sandy
Markwood explained that the assessment tool “will be of great benefit to community agencies
as they continue to reach out to caregivers who are often overwhelmed with the pressures of
meeting their responsibilities at work, while also caring for a family member
at home.”
Employers, community service agencies, and family caregivers interested in learning more
can access additional information in a number of ways.
1. Self-assessment materials are available online at: www.n4a.org/caregiver_assessment_tool.cfm.
2. ABC information is via: 1-800-767-9863, www.abcdependentcare.com, or e-mail
ABCinfo@WFD.com.
3. ABC is administered by WFD Consulting, 200 Talcott Avenue West, Watertown, MA 02472.
Image credit: n4a, Washington, DC.
See related business articles in AgeVenture's lifestyle profiles of gerontrepreneurs..
See related eldercare articles in AgeVenture's headline news archive. .
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