Ep 2: Caregiving and Managing the Healthcare Maze
In this episode, we examine the challenges of managing care for ourselves and our loved ones in a healthcare system that can feel fragmented, disorganized, and bewildering. We explore how to have “the conversation” with clinicians, what resources are available at various levels of care, the tools you can use to engage in your own healthcare, and community-based organizations that offer support and resources.
Meet Our Guest Expert:
Diane Nanno MS, CNS, RN, CCTM, NE-BC
Diane Nanno is a Clinical Nurse Specialist with extensive experience and expertise in improving transitions of care across settings. This is achieved through collaboration, program development, partnerships , process improvements and evidence-based innovations in care. Seamless transitional care reduces the risk of potentially preventable readmissions, improves patient outcomes, reduces harm and promotes patient satisfaction, activation and engagement.
Nursing lead for Upstate’s Hospital at Home Program.
Recipient of the Nancy Page Nursing Leadership Award 2023.
FAST FIVE: Additional resources on this topic
5 Resources for Caregivers
1. Eldercare Locator
Are you a family caregiver in need of information or assistance? The Eldercare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, is the first step to finding resources for older adults in any U.S. community. Just one phone call or Website visit provides an instant connection to resources that enable older persons to live independently in their communities. The service links those who need assistance with state and local area agencies on aging and community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers.
2. Caregiver Action Network
Resources from the Caregiver Action Network, including a Peer Forum, a Story Sharing platform, the Family Caregiver Tool Box and more. CAN also provides support for rare disease caregivers at http://www.rarecaregivers.org
3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Women’s Health - Tips for Caregivers
FDA Office of Women’s Health understands caring for someone can be rewarding, but challenging. FDA’s Tips for Caregivers website provides tools to help caregivers manage the care of their loved ones. The website provides tips for caregivers of older adults, young children, teens and people with special needs. The website also highlights 7 tips for all caregivers to know.
4. Next Step in Care
Next Step in Care provides easy-to-use guides to help family caregivers and health care providers work closely together to plan and implement safe and smooth transitions for chronically or seriously ill patients.
5. Financial Steps for Caregivers
WISER (Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement)
Financial Steps for Caregivers: What You Need to Know About Money and Retirement is designed to help you identify financial decisions you may face as a caregiver. The decision to become a caregiver can affect both your short-term and long-term financial security, including your own retirement. For more information on planning for a secure retirement, please visit http://www.wiserwomen.org.
