Better Caregiving, Better Lives: The John A. Hartford Foundation Story Contest
Are you a family caregiver of on older adult or a health care provider who works with caregivers? Share your story about challenges and solutions and help others achieve better caregiving and better lives. As part of the John A. Hartford Foundation’s efforts to improve the health of older adults, we encourage our grantees, colleagues in the field of aging and health, and the broader public to share stories about the problems older adults and their families experience in our health care system and, even more importantly, solutions to those problems.
Are you a family caregiver of on older adult or a health care provider who works with caregivers? Share your story about challenges and solutions and help others achieve better caregiving and better lives. As part of the John A. Hartford Foundation’s efforts to improve the health of older adults, we encourage our grantees, colleagues in the field of aging and health, and the broader public to share stories about the problems older adults and their families experience in our health care system and, even more importantly, solutions to those problems.
This year, the second Hartford story contest will gather a range of stories that reflect the rich diversity of perspectives and experiences of spouses/partners, children, friends, and other “family” caregivers of older adults, as told by them or their health care providers.
These stories should bring to light the challenges (emotional, family, employment, and others) of those who care for older adults, demonstrate their often valiant efforts, and offer insights into how to overcome difficulties and obstacles.
We are looking for stories from health care providers and family caregivers that illustrate the strategies and solutions they have used to effectively and gracefully care for older adults. These include stories that highlight:
- Specific programs and services provided by professional organizations or volunteers that have made a difference in the lives of caregivers and those for whom they care (examples: respite, adult day care programs, online or in-person support groups, wellness programs)
- Useful best practices and coping strategies that help people maintain a positive outlook and approach to caregiving (example: stress reduction exercises)
- Training from health care providers and others that better equips caregivers to do what they need to do (example: coaching in medication management)
- Policies (rules, regulations, or laws) that have improved the lives of caregivers and those for whom they care (example: a health plan that integrates behavioral health programs with medical care)
- Creative “home-grown” approaches that yield positive results for daily or long-distance caregiving.
- We are especially interested in stories about caring for older adults with dementia/Alzheimer’s disease. And we are seeking stories that are compelling, dramatic, and powerful.
See below for our story contest’s rules and prizes. Written stories, photo essays, and videos are all eligible. Enter today by sending your submission to: stories@jhartfound.org with the words "Caregiving Story Contest" in the subject line. Submissions are due by January 15, 2015.
When you submit your entry, please include a note in your email telling us how you heard about the contest.
For more information on the contest, head over to the Caregiving Story Contest page.