Mobile Initiative Helps Isolated Caregivers in L.A., Ventura Counties

Senior Concerns, an organization that aims to support caregivers in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, has launched a new Mobile Caregiver Support Center to perform on-site visits and bring experts to isolated caregivers, HealthyCal reports.

Details of the Program

The mobile program began in July after a year of planning. It involves a small bus that transports:

• Case managers;
• Senior advocates; and
• Legal and financial advisers.

The project also provides various materials, including:

• Checklists for evaluating senior care facilities or home care agencies; and
• Educational documents customized for unique caregiving situations, such as having a patient with dementia.

Senior Concerns President Andrea Gallagher said the mobile unit has visited several organizations since its launch, including:

• Assisted-living facilities;
• Churches;
• Mobile home parks;
• Rotary and Kiwanis clubs;
• Senior centers; and
• Women's groups.

Gallagher said, "The reality is, once you care for the caregiver, you're caring for the care receiver," she said (Perry, HealthyCal, 11/25).