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 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 (current caregivers) can hope to gain social support as well as confidence in their caregiving skills. Mentors (former caregivers) can hope to gain social support, have the opportunity to make meaning out of prior painful experiences, and give back to other caregivers.
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 receive training in providing emotional support, giving advice about environmental symptom management, and sharing resources. The mentor’s role is not to provide medical advice or crisis response. Mentees and mentors are personally paired by the PMC social work team to ensure 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
- Able to commit to at least 6 months of regular contact with a mentee
- Comfortable with basic technology (phone calls, email, Zoom)
- Able to take part in a one-time training held over Zoom
- Willing to provide program feedback via a survey at the 3 and 6 month mark
Mentee checklist:
- A current unpaid/family caregiver for someone with MCI, Alzheimer’s disease, or a related dementia
- Comfortable with basic technology (phone calls, email, Zoom)
- Willing to provide program feedback via a survey at the 3 and 6 month mark
- We encourage all mentees to take PMC’s Caring for the Caregiver Class, which can be taken live or worked through at their own pace
Questions and concerns can be sent to Meg Kalafsky at megan.kalafsky@pennmedicine.upenn.edu or 267-624-4282.