February is a great month to recognize caregivers. Our caregivers support every aspect of our healthcare system, keeping it running smoothly and providing assistance to medical professionals, patients, and families.
February 21 is National Caregivers Day. Since 2015, the third Friday of February has been recognized as a national appreciation day for caregivers, both professional and non-professional. It includes all those who provide help and support to those with health needs.
Caregivers are critical partners in every facet of the healthcare system. Professional caregivers include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides; home health and hospice aides; therapists of all kinds; medical assistants; and other caregivers in long-term facilities and home health or hospice agencies.
Family and friends also provide invaluable service to those who are experiencing serious health issues or who are facing the natural limitations of old age. Family and friend caregivers deserve special attention and appreciation. They are often not trained and can feel “on call” 24/7. This can result in serious burn-out, depression, and even deterioration of their own health. Primary caregivers in particular should be supported by other loved ones so that responsibilities can be shared.
At BCHIP, our Long Term Care Partnership coordinates with our partner hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and other medical service providers throughout Bucks County to plan for the future medical needs of our Bucks County residents. We are committed to ensuring that all Bucks County residents will have the necessary health services they need in the decades to come, including long-term care for an aging population.
All our plans for a robust and responsive healthcare system depend on well-trained caregivers in sufficient numbers to provide the very best care to our residents. The Bucks County Workforce Development Board initiated a Direct Care Advocacy, Collaboration, and Training Program (ACT) to address the demand for healthcare workers. A grant from the state allows the ACT Program to offer financial assistance to those interested in being trained as home health aides, personal care aides, or certified nursing assistants. That financial assistance can include free training and certification as well as help with transportation and childcare costs.
For those interested in learning more about the Direct Care ACT Program, either as an employer or individual interested in training, visit our Direct Care ACT Program page on the BCHIP website. You may also contact Colleen Campbell at ccampbell@bchip.org or call (267) 291-7880.
The Bucks County Area Agency on Aging also offers a Caregiver Support Program. The program is a combination of care management support, educational/support sessions, and financial reimbursement for both caregivers aged 60 and older caring for loved ones and for grandparent/relative caregivers, aged 55 and older, providing care and support to grandchildren aged 18 and younger. To learn more about this program, call them at (267) 880-5700.
At BCHIP, we appreciate the wonderful caregivers of Bucks County, without whom we would not be able to provide the excellent medical care that our local hospitals and healthcare facilities offer. Family and loved ones are critical partners in the care of sick or aging relatives. All deserve our support and appreciation.
