New Carallel Program for Dementia Caregivers Reduces Burden, Addresses Top Needs
Specialized program aims to help caregivers build resilience and skills to improve their health, ensure health plan members with dementia can remain in low-acuity settings
CHICAGO, August 22, 2024 – Carallel, the leading provider of holistic support, guidance and assistance for family caregivers, today announced that its recently launched dementia caregiver engagement program for health plans uncovers the top needs facing dementia caregivers and reduces the burden of caregiving for a loved one with dementia in just 60 days.
Dementia is a serious diagnosis that’s becoming more common, with 14 million projected cases in the U.S. by 2060. In recognition of this growing concern, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) launched the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, in which participating provider organizations work to support people with dementia as well as their unpaid caregivers.
Health plans know that caregiver health is paramount to the well-being of their loved one: people with dementia whose caregivers have depression have 73% higher rates of ED use over 6 months compared to peers whose caregivers did not have depression.
That’s why Medicare Advantage, Dual Eligible Special Needs and Long-Term Services and Supports plans are working with Carallel to support dementia caregivers via a specialized caregiver engagement program. The program helps plans identify, engage and empower caregivers of members with dementia, memory loss or Alzheimer’s to ensure the lowest acuity, highest dignity care.
Caregivers for members with a dementia diagnosis receive 24/7 access to digital educational and caregiver support resources designed specifically for dementia caregivers. They also have unlimited access via phone, email, or chat to Carallel’s highly credentialed Care Advocates, who provide compassionate support so caregivers can process complex emotions, build resilience and manage their own physical and mental health. Every Carallel Care Advocate is a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), ensuring they can provide expertise tailored specifically to caregivers of individuals with dementia.
The common needs addressed through the program are:
- Emotional support and validation (addressed with 97% of participants)
- Education on specific disease topics and interventions (77% of participants)
- Accessing benefits and community resources (77% of participants)
Carallel data indicates the program’s success:
- 31.5% self-reported reduction in caregiver burden after 60 days
- 70% of participating caregivers reported having their self-care needs addressed
- 80% of participating caregivers now have an Advance Care Plan in place or in progress for their loved one
“Being a caregiver for a loved one with dementia poses significant challenges — not only in identifying and using the right care resources but also in managing one’s own emotions as they see a loved one progress through the stages of cognitive decline,” said Shara Cohen, CEO, Carallel. “These results show that Carallel’s dementia caregiver engagement program is helping caregivers learn how to advocate for and care for their loved ones while building their resilience and receiving the emotional support they need to care for themselves.”
Carallel’s dementia caregiver engagement program has also been designed to meet the goals and requirements of the CMS GUIDE Model. It expands Carallel’s library of specialized programs that also address post acute care transitions, advance care planning, palliative care and oncology.
“I think of myself as resilient and any time I get to talk with someone, like I get to do with Amy [my Carallel Care Advocate], it only makes me even more resilient,” said Rochelle Haines, caregiver to her husband with dementia, of her experience with the program.
About Carallel
Carallel uses personal connection, expert guidance and digital tools to identify and empower caregivers so they can confidently manage the twists and turns of caregiving. Carallel partners with healthcare organizations aiming to achieve better outcomes and employers striving to retain employees and improve life/work balance. The company’s proven, holistic approach to caregiver support resonates with caregivers, earning Carallel an overall Customer Satisfaction Score of 96% and a Net Promoter Score of 80. In 2024, Carallel received the Healthcare Insurance Innovation Award from the MedTech Breakthrough Awards Program. Learn more at www.carallel.com.
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