Family and Informal Caregiver Support Program (FICSP)
Dr. Debra Sheets was the invited speaker for the Research Conversation in January. She discussed the national evaluation of The Family and Informal Caregiver Support Program (FICSP) that she is conducting for the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation in Owings Mill, Maryland. In 2009 the Foundation awarded 8.1 million to 14 nonprofit organizations in the states of California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The purpose of the FICSP is to increase the capacity of communities to support family and informal (i.e. unpaid) caregivers who are providing care to help low and moderate income seniors maintain their independence and quality of life.
Growing numbers of older adults with chronic conditions or disability need assistance from formal and informal caregivers. This increase is the result of longer life expectancies and greatly improved health care techniques and technologies, among other things. By 2050, the numbers of informal caregivers are expected to increase by 85%. Estimates indicate that 75% of caregiving is provided by family and friends who often experience being overwhelmed, depressed, and facing financial strains related to their caregiving role. Typically caregivers are female and the average of age of a caregiver for an older adult (age 65+ years) is 63 years. Typically, caregivers receive little training or ongoing support for their evolving role as caregivers. Many do not know how and where to go for help or information.
Grantees are developing innovative and evidence-based models of care to address to help family and informal caregivers assist low and moderate income,
community-dwelling older adults in maintaining their independence and quality of life. Selected projects represent diverse and underserved racial/ethnic groups, urban and rural areas, and a geographic area that has a significant older population. Older adults eligible for services have a household income less than the median income in their community. Projects were required to establish multi-faceted community partnerships to increase capacity for comprehensive referral and information, as well as providing direct support services. Currently, about 1200 caregivers have received services through this initiative and evaluation findings on the impact of the programs are expected to identify approaches that will enable more effective support for family caregivers whose needs are often overlooked.
From 2011 Spring Communiqué
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