Interim HealthCare launches new Caregiver's Coaching Program

New program developed by Caregiving Coach Dr. Amy D'Aprix offers aupport to Family Caregivers

March 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Interim HealthCare, the nation's first and finest healthcare and in-home senior care franchise, announced today the launch of its new Caregiver's Coaching Program, developed to provide emotional support and practical advice to family caregivers.

The program was developed by leading gerontological social worker and caregiving author Dr. Amy D'Aprix for Interim HealthCare's HomeLife Enrichment program, which focuses on helping people live enriched, safe and independent lives.

According to a recent AARP study, almost one-third of the U.S. adult population -- 65.7 million – fulfill the role of a caregiver. Caregivers are frequently asked to juggle care giving activities along with the demands of their own life, which is quite challenging and poses great strain on family members.

In fact, the AARP study found that one in six caregivers report that care giving has had a negative impact on their own health. Interim HealthCare's Caregiver's Coaching Program was designed with these family members in mind.

"At Interim HealthCare we recognize that when we provide services to a client, it's not just about the client, but about the family as well," said Kathleen Gilmartin, CEO of Interim HealthCare.

"Our partnership with Dr. Amy D'Aprix is one of great importance to our patients and their families.  We're confident they will find tremendous value from our Caregiver's Coaching Program and Dr. Amy."  

The Caregiver's Coaching program offers advice and inspiration regarding emotional and family issues associated with care giving through Weekly Coaching Emails on topics such as stress management and managing family issues; Conversation Cards with over 50 questions on a wide range of topics making it easy for family members to engage in meaningful conversations; weekly podcasts hosted by Dr. Amy related to family caregivers and Ask Dr. Amy where family members may go online for personalized and confidential advice.

"Struggling to take care of someone else, while taking care of yourself is not an easy balancing act," said Dr. Amy D'Aprix. "Services provided by Interim HealthCare are extremely important in helping bring some balance and by combining those services with the Caregiver's Coaching Program family caregivers also receive the assistance they need while letting them know they are not alone."

Dr. Amy D'Aprix also offers the following tips for family caregivers:

• Don't forget your real role. Many people become caregivers and they lose being a daughter, son or spouse. It's important to maintain real family roles and engage in activities that matter. It can be as simple as watching the travel channel or looking at family trip pictures together if you're loved one is not able to travel anymore.
• Ask ask ask for help. Don't be afraid to ask other family members for help. Remember you are not in this alone.
• Engage in meaningful conversations . Learn more about your loved ones by engaging in meaningful conversations. The Caregiver's Coaching Program Caring Cards have over 50 questions to help you.
• Attend to your own self care. This can be as simple as getting enough sleep. Again, don't be afraid to ask others for help. It's important you don't let yourself go.

With a network of more than 300 independently owned franchises across the country, Interim HealthCare senior care franchises include non-medical and medical personal care, nursing and healthcare staffing services. The system has a 45 year history within the healthcare industry and many of their franchisees have an average tenure of 24 years.

About Interim HealthCare:

Founded in 1966, Interim HealthCare® is the nation's first and finest senior care franchise organizations. Through a comprehensive network of more than 300 independently owned franchise offices, Interim HealthCare franchisees are the largest combined provider of community-based home care and health care staffing services.

Interim HealthCare is unique in combining the commitment of local ownership with the support of a national organization that develops innovative programs and quality standards that improve the delivery of service through franchisees that employ more than 75,000 health care workers who serve 50,000 people each day. For more information or to locate an Interim HealthCare office, visit www.interimhealthcare.com . 

About Dr. Amy D'Aprix:

Dr. Amy D'Aprix is a life transition consultant, author, corporate speaker, facilitator, coach, and an expert in aging, retirement, and caregiving.  Committed to empowering others to care for themselves and their families, Dr. Amy helps transform the lives of people involved in the caregiving experience.

Her passion, understanding and empathy come from her own personal experience of caring for her parents for more than a decade. Clients and caregivers across North America embrace her warm, engaging style and Dr. Amy is a frequent guest on radio and television programs.

She has authored two books on caregiving and friendship, has written numerous articles for various media publications and is highly sought-after as a trainer and speaker throughout North America. Dr. Amy has a PhD and Masters in Social Work, specializing in Gerontology.