Being a family caregiver can be overwhelming and bring on a sense of uncertainty and isolation. Caregivers often find benefit from connecting with those who have first-hand caregiving experience. The Caring Collective matches former and seasoned family caregivers with current family caregivers to provide support through their caregiving journey.
This free program was developed in response to requests from current and former PMC caregivers who often ask to be put it touch with someone who’s “been there.” Mentees (new caregivers) can expect to gain social support as well as confidence in their caregiving skills. Mentors (seasoned or former caregivers) have an opportunity to provide much-needed support while making meaning out of loss as they give back to caregivers new to this journey.
Susan Jewett and Carl Duzen
“Back when Carl and I were first navigating his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, I was so grateful for the kind offers of understanding, compassion, advice, and a listening presence by folks who were walking the same path, just further along. No one understands quite like someone who has lived it. The Caring Collective is a way to give back and be there for others, as others were there for us.” — Susan Jewett, mentor
Before being matched, mentors will be screened and receive training in providing emotional support, giving advice about environmental symptom management, and sharing resources. Mentees and mentors will meet for approximately 1 hour per week for up to 6 weeks. The mentor’s role is not to provide medical advice, psychotherapy, or crisis management. Mentees and mentors are personally paired by the PMC social work team for a good fit.
Interested in becoming a mentor or mentee? See the eligibility checklist below and apply. Once we receive your application, you will be contacted for a brief phone interview.
Mentor checklist:
- A former unpaid/family caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia
- No longer actively providing care or have provided care for a loved one for 5+ years and feel ready to serve in this capacity
- Able to commit to at least 6 months of mentorship
- Comfortable with basic technology (phone calls, email, Zoom)
- Able to take part in a one-time training held over Zoom
- Willing to provide feedback to evaluate the impact of the program
- We encourage all participants to take PMC’s Caring for the Caregiver Class
Watch a recording of our recent panel on becoming a Caring Collective mentor.
Mentee checklist:
*Mentees must be caring for a patient of the Penn Memory Center
- A current unpaid/family caregiver for someone with MCI, Alzheimer’s disease, or a related dementia being treated by the Penn Memory Center
- Comfortable with basic technology (phone calls, email, Zoom)
- Willing to provide feedback to evaluate the impact of the program
- We encourage all participants to take PMC’s Caring for the Caregiver Class
Questions and concerns can be sent to Meg Kalafsky at megan.kalafsky@pennmedicine.upenn.edu or 267-624-4282.