Embedding Caregivers into the Age-Friendly Ecosystem: Scaling and Sustaining the Movement
Grant Summary
Family caregivers play a significant role in supporting older adults’ care, but they often lack support, training and recognition within the health care system. To address these needs, Rush University Medical Center developed the Caring for Caregivers (C4C) model and implemented the program in 48 health care sites. The next phase of this work aims to embed family caregivers into the Age-Friendly Ecosystem, a cross-sector movement to improve quality of life for older adults. It will expand the award-winning C4C model to 100 new sites of care, develop scalable approaches for Age-Friendly Health Systems to routinely assess caregiver needs, and provide technical assistance to health care organizations to initiate change. It will also build a coalition of community and public health organizations to integrate caregiver support, including preparing 20 public health departments and training 150 public health professionals. This initiative has support from two regional funders, the Michigan Health & Hospital Association and the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York, and will leverage partnerships with national health and caregiving organizations.
Related Grant Resources
Grant Details
Organization
Rush University Medical Center
Grant Amount
$1,959,181
Grant Period
36 months
Approval Date
September 2025
