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Phelps Hospital Announces the Care Connections Program
Being honored for giving excellent patient care is the best recognition a hospital can get.
The American Heart and American Stroke Associations awarded Phelps Hospital • “GOLD PLUS” for the 10th year in a row • Honor Roll Elite for providing the latest evidence-based treatment for best patient care and outcomes.
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phelps.northwell.edu (914) 366-3000
Caregiving is the ultimate act of love. It requires strength, commitment, and sound judgment. Caregivers bear a tremendous responsibility. The stress associated with caring for a chronically ill family member is a heavy burden. The physical, emotional, and financial consequences for the family caregiver can be overwhelming, particularly for those providing care to a loved one with dementia.
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, demands on caregivers have been heightened. Phelps Hospital’s newly created Care Connections Program has partnered with the Westchester Public/ Private Partnership for Aging Services to offer caregivers unique services during this difficult time.
Caregivers can connect with a navigator who is available to offer guidance and counseling. The caregiver navigator develops trusting and supportive relationships with caregivers through open communication, an understanding of their needs, and by instilling confidence in their ability to competently address the needs of their loved ones. They also assist in identifying and addressing health system barriers, particularly as they relate to COVID-19; help to solve problems and supporting caregivers while they learn to self-navigate their caregiving responsibilities; ensure caregivers are kept well informed of available support services and resources not only for their loved one, but also for themselves — particularly to mitigate loneliness and isolation during this public health emergency; and provide linkage to collaborative partners for services such as counseling, support groups, and in-home assistance.
Care Connections offers six-week educational workshops on Your Caregiver Relationship Contract given from a caregivers’ perspective. Participants learn how to prepare to become caregivers, new ways to communicate, how relationships change and how to set boundaries. The Building Better Caregivers workshop teaches caregivers how to better manage the difficulties of caregiving without sacrificing their well-being by focusing on coping strategies, delegating stress, and developing support systems.
COVID-19 has placed new demands on caregivers. Because respite services are difficult to find at this time, the Care Connections Program offers alternative relaxation amenities to caregivers.
