This session will highlight the complex role, and challenges and rewards of diverse caregivers...
including custodial grandparents raising grandchildren, adult children serving as caregivers, members of the LGBTQ community, and co-workers supporting each other in the work setting. As we discuss the unique roles of diverse caregivers, we will identify demographics including ages, ethnicity and racial distinctions. While there are some commonalities among caregiver needs (e.g., better self-care), there are many unique needs that must be considered before promoting programs designed to provide support and/or linkage with community resources. This workshop will highlight some "best practices" programs (e.g., REACT, Project Healthy Grandparents) as well as mobile apps and caregiving websites. We will indicate where these and similar programs are available in states where SGS members reside and work. Further, there are substantial federal efforts taking place through the Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Community Living (ACL) through establishment of the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers and the Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (SGRG) Act advisory councils. The RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council and the Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, engaged in a national strategy to support diverse caregivers including coordination of needs and promotion of physical and emotional well-being, will be discussed. Attendees will have an opportunity to reference programs that support diverse caregivers in their respective states and regions.
