Behind the Scenes with a Caregiver Support Coordinator

MVES’ Caregiver Support Coordinator Kathy Learned is featured in this month’s Behind the Scenes article. As the Caregiver Support Coordinator, Kathy spearheads a wide range of efforts—all aimed at helping caregivers in need. Read about Kathy’s role in helping the MVES community.

Editor: What do you do as a Caregiver Support Coordinator?

K. Learned: My primary responsibility is to help caregivers—caregivers who are struggling—handle the numerous challenges that they face. I do this in several ways. I act as a resource to caregivers during home visits and phone consultations. I assess caregiver needs by visiting caregivers at their homes and seeing firsthand the challenges they face. Utilizing funding from grants, I develop new programs such as the “Saturday Night Out at the Medford Community Family,” which help provide support for caregivers. I also serve as an educational and training resource for caregivers, implementing programs such as the Alzheimer's support group for spouses (every other Wednesday), Mental Health Discussions with Dr. Patel (fourth Wednesday of every month), and the Caregiver Support Study (starting in August).

Editor: It sounds like you have a full schedule.

K. Learned: I do! There’s a lot to do and that’s great. I also allocate scholarship money to caregivers who are in urgent need of particular help. I like to keep busy.

Editor: Of all your job aspects, what do you find most enjoyable?

K. Learned: Two things are very enjoyable. I get great satisfaction from creating new programs that help meet the needs of elders. And, I enjoy the rewarding experience of running support groups and actually seeing caregivers have some immediate relief.

Editor: What is a typical day like for you?

K. Learned: There isn’t one. Each day is different and involves a lit bit of everything. I may work on a few referrals and make several home visits in the morning and then in the afternoon I may talk about a new program idea with a member of the community and confer with a case manager about a client. Every day involves something new.

Editor: How do caregivers hear about you?

K. Learned: Mostly word-of-mouth. I continually reach out to communities and agencies to tell them of the services I offer. For caregivers who would like to talk with me, I think the best way to reach me is to call MVES’ Information Services. The Aging Information Specialists do a terrific job of helping elders and caregivers find the right help.