BETTER OUTCOMES

Caregivers are the glue that connects vulnerable adults who are living with complex medical, functional and behavioral challenges to the support they need. As the United States faces a serious shortage of nurses and physicians and people continue to live longer with more complex health challenges,the role of family caregivers will only grow in influence.

Evidence reflects that empowered family caregivers improve the health status of people with chronic diseases and disabilities, while reducing cost of care. When caregivers are educated and empowered, unnecessary emergency room and hospital visits are avoided.

eFamilyCare advisers promote the John A. Hartford Foundation’s 4Ms of care that are essential elements of supporting a chronically ill loved one (Fulmer T, Mate KS, Berman A. The Age-Friendly Health System imperative. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2018 Jan;66(1):22-24).

What Matters
We advise family caregivers to understand their chronically ill loved one’s health goals and care preferences.

Medication
We advise family caregivers to ensure that their chronically ill loved one’s medications do not interfere with Mobility, Mentation or What Matters.

Mentation
We advise family caregivers how to identify the signs of dementia, depression or delirium and connect with resources to support their loved ones.

Mobility
We advise family caregivers to ensure that their chronically ill loved one moves safely every day to maintain function and do What Matters.