Developed by Intel in collaboration with the National Family Caregivers Association, ConnectingForCare.com uses the Internet to build a sense of community among caregivers through interactive forums, personal profiles and links to the latest research or treatments. The forums will allow caregivers to engage with one another at any time, ultimately leading to better coordination of care between the various groups. The Web site launches today in the United States and can also be accessed in the United Kingdom at ConnectingForCare.co.uk.
“Family caregivers are providing 80 percent of all of the long term care for people with chronic illness and disabilities,” said Suzanne Mintz, president and co-founder of the National Family Caregivers Association. “Caregivers are often the primary providers of this care, so it is crucial that we work to establish better lines of communication between all members of the care team. We are excited to work with Intel on Connecting for Care to facilitate the flow of information while showing family caregivers that they are not alone.”
Tens of millions of Americans currently serve as family or professional caregivers, including campaign spokesperson Ian Ziering of “Beverly Hills: 90210” and “Dancing with the Stars.” As one of the 50 million Americans who provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aging family member, Ziering serves as a caregiver for his father, who has experienced kidney failure, and has witnessed the urgent need for improvements in communication and resource sharing that can lead to better care.
