“One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn’t as individuals.” (Jean Vanier) This is a quote that represents us. Unified Caring Association (UCA) is a resource hub for all sorts of caring acts, news and access to caring communities. Below is a list of some of the resources that are available to all UCA members.
For Caregivers:
We may all be caregivers at some point in our lives. But, we cannot be prepared for what is needed when that time comes. We need a foundation of a community that will help us give the care needed to our parents, partner, child, or ailing friend. And we need care and advice ourselves.
Caring Village App
The ability to store important information on medications, legal, financial and medical documents all in one place is invaluable. This is what the Caring Village App is all about. This is a way to create a “village” of family and friends so others can volunteer to help with transportation, meal delivery, and errands. We love that there is even a resource for finding companion care where you can create a care plan. This plan includes daily activities for others to follow while you’re away from home. This is a way to ensure your loved one is safe by staying engaged and in contact at all times. This app is available on the web and is integrated with both Android and iOS devices.
CareZone App
This FREE app essentially allows a caregiver to enter and access all of a senior’s medical information in one place. If family members download the app, you can grant them access to the information, too. CareZone also includes the capability to note when appointments are coming up, store insurance information, create to-do lists and document symptoms. This app is available on both Android and iOS devices.
Family Caregiver Alliance
Family Care Navigator is an innovative online guide to help families connect to private caregiver support programs innovative, state-by-state. The program is easy to use, complete with lists of programs for family caregivers. This resource even includes resources for older or disabled adults living at home or in a residential facility.
For Volunteering:
People who volunteer often have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression. This is a fact based on decades of research. One way to a healthier life is through giving your time and effort to help others. The best self-care is being of service to others.
National Volunteer Caregiving Alliance
Established in 1984, Volunteer Caregiving is now represented in nearly 700 communities throughout the United States. This network connects and serves community programs and organizations that provide volunteer caregiving. The goal of the Alliance is to strengthen the national voice of volunteer caregiving. Search for volunteer caregivers anywhere in the U.S. Individual programs and organizations are profiled and can be contacted directly.
The Corporation for National and Community Service
This resource plays a vital role in supporting America’s culture of service. Community solutions and being a volunteer can make a positive impact. It is here that our members can use a search tool to find a volunteer opportunity in their local area. Also, if there is a volunteering opportunity it can be listed here of those seeking to volunteer.
Networking & Communities to Join:
The first step to caring through a community is to connect with others having a similar need.
Lifeline
The cost of connecting should not be a barrier. Lifeline is a well known federal program that lowers the monthly costs of phone and internet. Nationwide eligible customers will get at least $9.25 toward their bill. This is an extremely helpful resource for our senior members and their families.
Well Connected
This is a free award winning program that offers activities, education, support groups, and friendly conversations. Well Connected is a community made up of participants, staff, facilitators, presenters, and other volunteers who care about each other and who value being connected, enriching lives and supporting well-being. All groups are accessible by phone from wherever you are at no cost to you!
All of these affordable resources for a caring community are available at Unified Caring Association. Let us help you get connected to communities that support caring. Because we can create a caring world by connecting and helping each other.
