To: {Contact_FullName} {MemberField_You_Are_A_Lifetime_Member} {ContactField_Membership_type} {Member_Level} Renewal Date {Member_Upcoming_Renewal_Date}
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September means remembering those who lost their lives on 9/11/2001; holding
their families in our hearts; and appreciating all of those who responded to help. |
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Our September
issue commemorates 9/11/2001 with ARCAN members reflecting on their roles in
the three Red Cross responses 23 years later. We also share a moving New York
Times opinion editorial by IFRC president, Kate Forbes, about humanitarians
killed in the line of duty; welcome new ARCAN board member Mark Hague; and
preview this month’s webinar with Red Cross alumni from Oklahoma, Debby
Hampton. September is also National Preparedness Month. American Red Cross news includes the response to the Hawaii Wildfires
one year later, an example of community-level program enhancements to respond
to climate change and a serious blood shortage. We remember four beloved alumni
via In Memoriam and share articles about changing jobs (and increasing pay) at
midlife, free virtual AARP classes and more. Don’t miss the website’s new feature - a photo
gallery (link below) featuring ARCAN members at play! |
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ARCAN Members Recalling Their Responses to 9/11
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Everyone remembers where they were on 9/11. Twenty-three years later we interviewed three ARCAN members about their perspectives from responses in New York City, Shanksville and the Pentagon. Learn more about the Red Cross’ historical response in Q & As from Nancy Retherford, Amy Gabriel and Linda Mathes
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Photo credit: Hatem Khaled/Reuters
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In February I met a man. Three hours later, he was dead.
Mohammed Al-Omari was a paramedic with the Palestine Red Crescent Society; we met in southern Gaza. As the president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, I’ve been one of very few people able to visit there this year. Mohammed smiled; we shook hands and had a brief conversation. That afternoon, while rushing to give medical aid to those in need, Mohammed was killed. He is one of 21 Palestine Red Crescent volunteers to have lost their lives while on duty in the conflict in Gaza so far.
It’s not just in Gaza where humanitarian aid workers are in peril. Since the beginning of 2024, the Aid Worker Security Database has recorded 187 humanitarian deaths worldwide. This year is on track to be the deadliest on record… Read the full guest editorial here.
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ARCAN NEWS
Welcome New ARCAN Members!!!
We’re so
excited to welcome our newest ARCAN members!! Keep encouraging your colleagues
to join so we can continue to grow our exciting alumni community. Send
them to the website’s Join
page ... Members who
have joined since July 12 include: |
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Anna Caldwell
JoHanna LeVan
Tracy Reines
Jill Bode |
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Christy Gavitt
Ken Skalitzky
Kathleen Phillips
Luis Garcia
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John Malatak
Rodney Bell
Marissa Mahoney
Susan Smith |
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Our website has a new Photo Gallery, featuring YOU!
Check out the ARCAN website’s Home Page at https://www.redcrossalumni.org for a new photo gallery feature we have built to spotlight what our alumni are doing for fun. Slide the bar at the bottom of the photos to view the full collection, and please send us your best photos as you travel, tackle new ventures or hang out with fellow Red Crossers. Email photos to info@redcrossalumni.org. Thank you!
Boston College Extends its Continuing Education Lecture Series to Red Cross Alumni Boston College – alma mater of ARCAN president, Mary Buszuwski, extended its series of lectures, Beyond Lifelong Learning, to the ARCAN community. The lectures are viewable for a minimal fee and include a wide variety of topics from the arts to brain science. Learn more, and explore the lineup here!
Calling for ARCAN Stories!
Who have you reconnected with through your ARCAN or ARCRA membership? We’d love to hear your story of reconnecting with old colleagues. Please email stories to info@redcrossalumni.org. We’ve got all sorts of great ideas about how to use your stories of reconnection.
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Mark Hague, Treasurer and ARCAN Board Members Please join us as we welcome Mark Hague to the ARCAN Board of Directors and in his new role as Treasurer. Mark is a retired senior director of financial planning and reporting at Red Cross National Headquarters.
With thirty plus years in business and finance work for the Red Cross, Mark Hague was an executive who was passionate about helping the organization consolidate back office activities and develop and implement a finance transformation strategy. Mark started his career with the Red Cross in Lancaster, Pennsylvania as accounting director. During this time, he started a shared services accounting program, providing services to 28 other Red Cross chapters. As Red Cross chapter consolidation began, he transitioned to the American Cross of the Susquehanna Valley Region as their chief financial officer. In 2014 he began working for the national Red Cross’ corporate CFO, leading a team to implement a Hyperion Reporting System to create centralized reporting, consolidate to a single corporate audit and adopt a single bank account strategy. The direct result was an integral part in reducing costs to reallocate funds to mission critical services. Mark retired in July 2020 and now volunteers for Feeding Tampa Bay and is the treasurer of his homeowner’s association board. He is a proud alumnus of Millersville University in Pennsylvania and resides in Madeira Beach, Florida with his wife Linda and their dog Phoenix. See Mark’s LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hague/ |
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Farewell to Stuart and Maude Hales
We would like to extend our appreciation to Stuart and Maude Hales for your consulting services as the ARCAN administrators since late fall of 2023. Stuart and Maude transitioned the administrator’s role from Christie Phillips and supported the launch of the American Red Cross Alumni Network (previously the American Red Cross Retirees Association). We wish Stuart and Maude all the best as they further explore retirement locations and other ventures in their life journey! Many thanks to you both!
Welcome to New ARCAN Administrative and Finance Consultants After a few weeks of transition, Cindy Radulovich, is now the administrator for ARCAN and Barb Barto, is our new accounting consultant. Cindy will, among many other roles, manage new memberships and renewals, and the in-box for member inquiries (info@redcrossalumni.org). Barb will provide continuity in ARCAN’s accounting operations, prepare taxes and manage invoices for the organization. We’re so happy to have you both on the ARCAN team! |
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Debby Hampton, September 24 at 12:00 p.m. ET
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Debby Hampton
was the president and CEO of United Way of Central Oklahoma for 13 years before
retiring in 2023. Most of us know her from her 16 years with the American Red
Cross of Central Oklahoma—the last four of which she was CEO. She left the Red
Cross in 2006 to take the helm of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits for four
years before leading the United Way.
Debby played a
key leadership role in the Red Cross response to the Oklahoma City bombing in
1995 and for more than a decade of recovery. Her thoughtful guidance set a
standard of compassion and excellence that informed critical aspects of future
Red Cross responses including the 9/11/2001 terrorist attacks. Debby’s
leadership in Oklahoma through the years also gives her unique insight into challenges and
opportunities mass casualty disasters bring to communities and especially to nonprofits. She tailored solutions and has sound advice for any community dealing with a major crisis.
Register in advance
for this meeting here. After
registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about
joining the meeting. |
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View recent ARCAN webinar recordings |
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If you
missed the Red Cross Emergency App webinar with Elizabeth Bubel, you can see
the recording here. Use passcode 1DHuaD*1 . Elizabeth familiarized us with the best, latest and
upcoming features of the app, walked
us through its uses, and helped us tailor it for our individual needs. Important:
The former emergency apps for individual emergencies are no longer being
updated, so you should delete them. The new emergency app aims to
empower the public to prepare, respond to, and recover from climate-affected
hazards. It provides alerts for storms, tornadoes, floods and more. |
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If you missed the August webinar with Susan Watson of the Red Cross National Archives and Collection, you may view the recording here. Use Passcode &a1xvCyZ. Susan discussed her role as archivist and how she makes decisions, especially about what goes to the National Archives vs what is kept for regional/chapter use for displays and fundraisers. Susan says she can sometimes use help from Red Cross alumni putting together some missing pieces for the Red Cross archives. She shared examples of that and describe some of the fascinating items in the collection.
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New Log-In Requirements for Social Security Accounts
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It just makes sense to have an online account to monitor your Social Security benefits! With this account, one can get benefit verification letters, request duplicate tax forms, update direct deposits, request withholding and much more. Retirees who are not comfortable online might seriously consider setting up an account with the help of a family member or trusted friend.
Recently, according to Andy Markowitz writing for the AARP, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that users of online accounts established prior to September 18, 2021 will need to sign in through Login.gov, a more secure sign-in service administered by the federal government. (If you’ve never set-up an account, you will automatically be directed to the new method when you attempt to do so.) The SSA will be sending email messages to notify about 46 million of the 86 million people who have online accounts of this change.
The My Social Security landing page will now show three sign-in options: Login.gov, ID.me and the “traditional” option using a username and password; the latter is the log in option that will go away later this year. If you have an existing or “legacy” account, sign in with your current credentials (username and password) and follow the prompts to move to one of the new options.
Additional guidance about making the change can be found at https://blog.ssa.gov/changes-are-coming-to-how-you-access-social-securitys-online-services/ The SSA has posted a helpful video on You Tube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMADyonYNTE.
Changes of this nature can often be frustrating but 2-Factor Identification and other security measures protect our private information.
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Retiree Connection Helped 140 Red Cross Retirees through June ‘24
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So far this year, the Retiree Connection, ARCAN’s helpline, helped 140 retirees and their families with questions related to pensions, including the annuity companies, Retiree Health benefits, the American Red Cross Savings Plan, and other benefit issues. Additionally, the program gets membership and other ARCAN matters in the right hands.
Call volume in 2024 (140) is about the same as in the same period in 2023 (148). Thirty-three percent of the calls related to the need for a Form 1099r, the tax document showing pension income, which had either not arrived or had been misplaced by the retiree. Gathering 1099rs has become more difficult now that most retirees receive their pensions from more than one source: for example, the retirement system and Athene. Retirees should remember to notify all benefit sources of any change in address. Twenty-nine percent of calls concerned issues that required an additional call to the retirement system’s Benefit Service Center; Links assist by providing advice on making these calls and determining whether additional calls to one of the annuity companies needs to be made.
The Retiree Connection is staffed by retiree volunteers, called “Links”, including Michael Carroll, Joanne Kosanke, Liz Lawrence, John Lyter, Bill O’Callahan and Chris Saeger. Chris and Michael coordinate the program.
The Retiree Connection can be reached at 202-303-8779. Callers are prompted to leave their name, phone number, email address and a short summary of the issue they’d like help with. Calls are returned on the same or next day. Links refer retirees to the Red Cross Benefits Service Center (BSC), which may be reached at 1-877-860-7526 or http://digital.alight.com/redcross), and coach callers on how to prepare for a phone call with the BSC or how to log on to the BSC web portal; things some retirees find frustrating.
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Southern California Group Luncheon From Marlene Zweig
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Calling all Red Crossers to come join Southern California Retirees and ARCAN members for a delicious luncheon and mini reunion on Tuesday, October 15 at noon. We'll be meeting at the Acapulco Restaurant. See more details here. For more information, contact Marlene Zweig at justcallmz@aol.com or (323) 997-2431 (mobile).
Greater Washington-Baltimore Group Meeting and Luncheon
From Joby Jester
The Greater Washington-Baltimore Group is planning a November 15 meeting and luncheon in the Tiffany Circle Hall at Red Cross Headquarters. More information will be shared as it becomes available
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Richard (Dick) Francis Schubert
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Former American Red Cross President, Richard (Dick) Francis Schubert (November 2, 1936 – July 12, 2024) passed away in Fairfax, VA. A graduate of Yale Law School he served as U.S. Under Secretary of Labor. He was formerly president and vice chair of Bethlehem Steel; Founding Chair of International Youth Foundation and Peter Drucker Foundation; a founding board member of Management Training Corporation; and chaired the National Job Corps Assn and Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.
Following Dick’s retirement in 1982, he became president of the American Red Cross at a time when the organization was threatened with a potential fiscal crisis. Gaining a reputation as a tough but fair president with a strong business orientation, he reorganized national headquarters, promoted improved staff performance, introduced strategic planning to help guide the organization into the future, and led the Red Cross into the computer age. During his tenure, the Red Cross also began a major AIDS public education initiative, built the Holland Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences in Maryland, and diversified the sources of its funding support. A Memorial Service will be held on September 28, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the McLean Presbyterian Church, 1020 Balls Hills Road, McLean, VA 22101. See his full obituary here.
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Alma Powell (October 27, 1937 – July 28, 2024), civic leader and widow of Colin Powell, served as the Army liaison to the National Red Cross and while her husband was the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, she served as the Advisor to the Red Cross of the Military District of Washington. See her full obituary here.
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Pamela Alesky (September 25, 1959 - May 24, 2024) was a beloved colleague of many ARCAN members when she worked in International Services and then Disaster Services at American Red Cross National Headquarters. She also was an EMT and volunteer firefighter before her Red Cross years, and she practiced Red Cross first aid. After Red Cross she worked for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Transportation Safety Bureau. Pam fought a brave fight against cancer. Her dry wit, intellect and friendship will be missed by many. A Celebration of Life will be held at Green Gables Restaurant, New Milford, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, October 5, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.. See Pam’s full obituary on the Legacy website here.
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Jo Anne Jones
We’re sad to share the news that Jo Anne Jones has passed. Al Panico shared the photo above, and words below, on his Facebook page. At her request, there will be no formal service. Locally, her friends are invited to gather and share memories on September 24 at 5:00 - 6:00 at the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough. A Zoom memorial gathering is being planned for her Red Cross friends. Memorial gifts to honor her life may be sent to the American Red Cross. See her full obituary here.
This is a photo of Jo Anne Jones on her first day of work at the American Red Cross Chapter in Dallas, Texas, where we first worked together. Jo Anne and I, along with so many others, have shared some wild and wonderful times both at work and at play. As many of you know, Jo Anne has been living in an assisted living facility for several years. (She passed away peacefully at night.) The loss of this Red Cross icon, like so many others, cuts deeply into our hearts and souls. We will miss you, friend, but we will hold onto all those precious memories of your work and your antics! You are loved.
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American Red Cross Enhances Its Capacity to Respond to the Continuous Pace of Climate Disasters
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In response to the climate crisis, the American Red Cross is enhancing its support for those who need it most and its capacity to respond to the continuous pace of climate disasters. One of the organization’s new initiatives — the Community Adaptation Program — is focused on strengthening local partner networks in communities with chronic disaster risks and socioeconomic issues. To boost disaster preparedness and resilience, the Red Cross is working with hyper-local partners that focus on increasing access to food, health and housing resources. Learn more about the CAP program by viewing the video here and about climate work of the American Red Cross atredcross.org/climate.
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An Example of Red Cross’ New CAP
Program at Work in Communities: This summer, Tulane
Missionary Baptist Church volunteers and American Red Cross staff gathered to
celebrate in front of the new food pantry in Yazoo, Mississippi. The new
building is part of the climate crisis Community Adaptation Program (CAP), and
the church is tackling hunger in their community through weekly food
distributions.
Many of the rural
areas in Mississippi are considered food deserts where the nearest grocery
store can be some 20 miles away. This makes it extremely difficult for families
who lack reliable transportation, older adults or people with disabilities to
access nutritious food. The new building has plenty of space for freezers and
refrigerators to help provide food for dozens of families in need.
Pastor Thaddeus
Williams is proud of the growth, saying, “Folks don't have enough to make it
from month to month, and so there's a need … When Red Cross came and gave us
that offer to enhance what we were doing, oh, it was a godsend.” Working with
the Red Cross has helped increase the number of people Tulane Missionary
Baptist Church can help. “Normally we would serve about 100. But now we've been
getting upwards of 170. I think we did nearly 200 today.”
CAP currently operates in 18 counties/parishes across the country. Check
out the story map (bit.ly/3TurWOj) to learn how the
team is transforming how communities cope with disasters.
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The Hawaii Wildfires: One year later
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Edwin Heilscher has a hard time talking about the day the fires forced his family out of their home. He remembers quickly grabbing his things and making it to the highway, only to see his town begin to burn as he drove away. After days of searching for a place to stay, he brought his family to an American Red Cross shelter. There, he found not only a safe place to sleep and a warm meal, but also the compassion he needed to begin to heal.
Edwin is one of the more than 32,750 people who received disaster relief from the Red Cross after the devastation of the Hawaii wildfires… read the full story here. |
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What’s Your Type? Red Cross declares an emergency blood and platelet shortage |
We all have a type ─ blood type, that is. Do you know yours?
The American Red Cross declared a national blood emergency on August 5. All blood types are needed now, especially types O positive and O negative, as well as platelet donations, to help reverse this national blood shortage.
Severe weather, extreme heat and travel plans complicated efforts to rebuild the nation's blood supply while hospital demand for lifesaving blood products remained constant this summer.
Don’t wait — the Red Cross asks the country to roll up a sleeve to help ensure people receive the care they need. Make an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Read more about the shortage and how you can help, here.
Blood Donation Fast Facts
- September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Blood donation plays a key part in treatment of Sickle Cell; people who live with Sickle Cell can need as many as 100 blood transfusions per year to manage the pain that comes with the disease.
- The Red Cross Blood Donor App makes it easy to make an appointment, track your blood pressure, iron levels and more. It also gives you a notification with the name of the hospital where your blood donation is used.
- The Red Cross supplies roughly 40% of the blood supply across the U.S.
- About 62% of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood but only about 3% donates.
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September is National Preparedness Month!!!
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Everything you need to prepare for wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes, according to experts |
Extreme weather is inevitable. It can occur at any time and impacts different parts of the country in different ways, as some areas experience hurricanes or tornadoes while others deal with wildfires and earthquakes (to name a few).
Because these weather patterns are so common, it’s vital to have certain supplies on hand for natural disaster preparedness. While our team at Underscored has tested first-aid kits, bug out bags and other emergency supplies, it’s time we got organized based on the needs specific to certain natural disasters.
Linked is a round-up of emergency supplies and preparation resources, including recommendations from experts as well as a selection of gear we’ve tested ourselves. While many of the recommended supplies are similar, we’ve spoken to different experts to provide advice based on specific natural disasters like wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes. |
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Red Cross Continues Helping People Impacted by Hurricane and Tropical Storm Debby
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Red Cross reported two weeks after Hurricane Debby that more than 250 trained American Red Cross responders were still there, helping people impacted by the storm as they clean up their homes and plan their next steps. See the full story here. |
Community Organizations, Red Cross, Rally to Help Oxford, Connecticut Flood Survivors
The American Red Cross responded to flash flooding that collapsed a house and roads, and flooded homes and businesses in Oxford, Connecticut in August. See the news report here. You can help people affected by disasters like storms and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. You can make a financial donation by visiting redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). |
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Upcoming International Humanitarian Law Events |
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Peace in Sudan: What’s required from the international community
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The upcoming International Humanitarian Law discussion, “Peace in Sudan: What’s required from the international community” will take place Thursday, September 19, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Presenting will be Susan Burgess-Lent, an author, veteran international aid worker and public speaker. She served as program director of Darfur Peace and Development Organization, establishing two Women’s Centers in internally displaced person (IDP) camps in
North Darfur for those displaced by the genocide. Susan provided administrative and logistical support for field personnel of the American Red Cross during the Rwanda genocide. She is the founder of Women’s Centers International, a non-profit that creates resource centers for women affected by conflict and poverty. She earned a BA in Business Management from the University of Maryland University College and holds certifications in International Humanitarian Law and Disaster Response from the American Red Cross.
For general registration click forms.office.com/r/vVcyGLykk2 or contact Jill Hofmann at jill.hofmann@redcross.org. If you are a Northern California Coastal Region Red Crosser, please register by clicking rdcrss.org/3WJC3kc . The discussion is held virtually on Microsoft Teams.
International Humanitarian Law Class:
Even war has rules
Armed conflicts are ongoing around the world. At times it may seem that there are no rules in war. However, there are rules in war, and they make a difference. Even War Has Rules is a dynamic discussion on international humanitarian law (IHL) and how it governs armed conflict. By the end of the class, participants will achieve a general understanding of IHL and will be better able to evaluate the actions of parties to armed conflicts. This class will be hosted by Red Cross Instructors Kathy Sieu and Ana Gu, September 24, 8:00 – 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Click here for general registration: forms.office.com/r/5XNCwc3CuZ. If you are a Northern California Coastal Region Red Crosser, please click here to register: rdcrss.org/4feqqsR. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact Jill Hoffman at jill.hofmann@redcross.org, 831-566-8841 or Katrina Barlow at katrina.barlow@redcross.org.
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INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF RED CROSS (ICRC)
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On Geneva Conventions' 75th anniversary, fighters in Gaza, Ukraine and beyond ignore rulebook of war
From Associated Press and ABC News |
GENEVA, August 12
-- At its 75th anniversary, the world's best-known rulebook on the protection
of civilians, detainees and wounded soldiers in war has been widely ignored —
from Gaza to Syria to Ukraine to Myanmar and beyond — and its defenders are
calling for a new commitment to international humanitarian law.
The Geneva
Conventions, which have been adopted by nearly all the world's countries since
they were finalized on Aug. 12, 1949, are back on their heels as armed militia
groups and national forces regularly disregard the rules of war.
“International
humanitarian law is under strain, disregarded, undermined to justify violence,”
President Mirjana Spoljaric of the International Committee of the Red Cross,
which oversees the conventions, said Monday.
“The world must recommit to this robust protective framework for armed
conflict, one that follows the premise of protecting life instead of justifying
death,” she said.
Read the full article at this link. |
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Changing Jobs At Midlife Is Good For Your Career – And Your Salary From Forbes
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Thinking of hanging
on in your current job until retirement? Think again. New research from the
OECD, presented at a recent conference in Paris, strongly suggests that change
is good for you – across multiple dimensions: your work, wealth and wellness. The
report, done with the support of America’s AARP, is titled Promoting Better Career Choices for
Longer Working Lives – Stepping Up Not Stepping Out. It is the third
in a series of deep dives into how longevity is impacting work across all 38 OECD countries. The conference showcased the report’s finding on how
countries, companies and individuals are adapting to the new longevity’s impact
on the future of work. Workers aged 45 to 64 already constitute a massive 41%
of the 2022 OECD workforce, up from 29% in 1990. As younger populations
shrink,… Read the full article and access the research behind it here.
AARP list of
free virtual classes
AARP’s Virtual
Community Center offers a lineup of interesting free classes on everything from
fitness to the best timing of filing for social security. Find this and other great resources in
our Resource Library on the ARCAN website’s Advancement page at https://redcrossalumni.org/Advancement. You can also view the list of AARP
virtual offerings and register for free at the AARP site here.
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This is the most expensive state to retire—it’s not New York or Hawaii
From CNBC
To determine affordability, Bankrate analyzed state-level data on the cost of living, state and local sales taxes, average annual property taxes and the average cost of homeowners insurance from a number of sources, including the Council for Community and Economic Research and the Tax Foundation. See Bankrate's 10 most expensive states to retire in 2024, in this article.
Global Childhood Immunization Levels Stalled in 2023, Leaving Many without Life-saving Protection
New data reveal nearly 3 in 4 infants live in countries where low vaccine coverage is driving measles outbreaks The Washington Post reports that while childhood immunizations save lives by protecting babies and children from once-common diseases like measles and diphtheria, progress toward global immunization goals has stalled, according to recent World Health Organization and UNICEF estimates, suggesting such immunizations have not rebounded since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. This is of concern, in part, because of the American Red Cross years’ long commitment to providing childhood measles vaccinations in underdeveloped countries. For more information on the new vaccination data, see the World Health Organization press release
How to Avoid Online Scams and What to Do if You Become a Victim
A free article from New York Times
Here are tips on how to dodge some of the most devastating schemes and what to do if you or someone you care about becomes ensnared. To read the full article, click here.
6 Surprising Things That Age You
From U.S. News and World Report
Certain lifestyle habits and diet can impact your physical and mental health, but did you know they can also make your body either age faster or slower? Here are several lifestyle factors that affect how old your body is. Read the full article here.
Steps You Can Take to Create a Backup Family Caregiving Plan From Retallick Financial
Caregivers are indispensable–but what if something unexpected happens, leaving them unable to help the family member or friend who relies on them daily? This is why it’s vital to create a backup family caregiving plan.
A 2023 AARP report found that “caregiving takes a toll on both the caregiver’s mental health and physical health,” and other AARP reports found “increased heart disease and higher levels of mortality associated with caregiving.” In general, caregivers put themselves at risk, which is why it’s so important to have a plan in place.
Here are a few steps that can be taken to do exactly that:
Find a proxy. Ask someone who can temporarily step in as the secondary caregiver. If the caregiver dies and you don’t have a replacement, then a court might appoint someone to oversee the care recipient.
Get advice from an elder law attorney who can assess all aspects of caregiving needs, from financial needs to the daily tasks associated with caregiving.
It’s important to understand that medical power of attorney or durable power of attorney isn’t the same as a backup plan for daily caregiving. Don’t assume that just because those legal documents were completed that they’ll provide for a substitute daily caregiver.
Keep in mind that even though a person agreed to be the successor or temporary successor to the caregiver, it isn’t set in stone. The individual can change their mind, or their situation may change, prohibiting them from taking up the role of caregiver.
When you find a backup caregiver, there are important steps to take to prepare them. Provide a detailed list of all the responsibilities they’ll need to take over, including essential tasks such as assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs), medication management, meal preparation, and more, including emotional support. For example:
- List any medical procedures or specialized care that the care recipient may need. Also, ensure that if these tasks require specific training or certifications, the backup caregiver has received said training.
- What are the recipient’s medical conditions and history? What medications are they taking, what’s the dosage, and do they have any known allergies to any medications? Ensure that the replacement caregiver knows all of this information.
- Provide contact information, including names, phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses, to help them get in touch with the recipient’s primary care physician, specialists, and other healthcare providers.
Remember to keep all of that information updated regularly and easily accessible. It might also be useful to have a “practice session” where the backup caregiver of your choice can ask questions and go over the routine with the primary caregiver. Having an airtight backup plan in place can go towards ensuring the care recipient’s needs will always be met, even in changing circumstances.
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What to Know About Prebiotics
From U.S. News and World Report |
Prebiotics can improve your gut health and overall well-being. Experts explain what they are and how you can eat more. Read the full article here. |
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Hearing Aids May Lower the Risk of Cognitive Decline
From Brain&Life |
For people whose hearing is impaired, hearing aids may lower the risk of cognitive decline. Still, many resist getting them. Advice from specialists may help overcome that reluctance. Continue reading.
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Are you getting your weekly perks?
Sign up or sign in at PerkSpot to get weekly perks on travel, tickets, cell phones, gym memberships, food and much more.
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Send ideas for
articles, features and more in future issues of the ARCAN newsletter to
info@redcrossalumni.org!
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American Red Cross Alumni Network PO BOX 1581 | Vienna, VA 22180
E-mail: info@redcrossalumni.org | Tel: 202.303.8779 Website: RedCrossAlumni.org |
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