Advocacy for Caregivers

Advocacy is a topic you’ll come across in the news. Its basic meaning is supporting a cause. That dictionary definition includes that it’s done by process or act on behalf of a cause. In this blog, you’ll read about both. Now that you have a broad definition, think about the caregivers are for whom advocacy would be beneficial.

• The focus of this blog is on you as a professional caregiver who is paid for the knowledge, skill, and care you provide for seniors and others in their homes.
• There is another group that can benefit from advocacy or others speaking up on their behalf. Those are the seniors themselves and their family members, especially the person who is their primary family caregiver.

A Sample of Advocacy Organizations & Their Causes

This section gives you an idea of the scope of advocacy that is happening in Canada and around the world. Each organization has its own mission with some focusing on the environment and others on various human rights issues.

The Relationship of Advocacy and Policymaking

In the introduction you read that advocacy includes a process for addressing a cause. That process often includes making policies and laws. This is something you’ll read about in the news. An example is when a group wants there to be a law put in place to protect whales or polar bears, for instance.

• The actions the group takes behind the scenes or on the news is part of the process.
• The group hopes to get public interest so that these wild creatures are protected by laws.
• The process part includes all it takes to have something like this example put into law.
• One step might be a public vote on the cause.

As you can see, it takes a lot of action to go through the process of a cause becoming law. The value of advocacy is that it helps the public to know about matters that need to be addressed. The following are some that have become very well known. After you read about these, you’ll read more about advocacy for caregivers.

Examples of Organizations Devoted to Advocacy

Advocacy causes are all around us, some are local. Others are national or worldwide, as are these first two, each one being classified as non-governmental organization (NGO). The first advocates for a peaceful world, doing so with environmental actions: Greenpeace International was founded in Vancouver 50 years ago.

The second is Amnesty International that was founded to stop human rights abuse. Two Canadian organizations that advocate for children with special needs are:

• The first addresses advocacy in schools: School Advocacy Hamilton
• The second is Special Link The National Center for Child Care Inclusion

Each or these organizations acts as a voice for children and their families. Children’s development and families’ lives are improved, due to the advocacy role and actions of organizations like these. Now, let’s view the sites of organizations that focus on advocacy for caregivers.

Why Advocacy for Caregivers Matters

It’s likely that in your role, you have thought of ways seniors you care for would benefit from some services that are scarce. They might include:

• Increased funding for home safety improvements.
• More money allocated for healthy food.
• A modest stipend for personal care items.

Sure, some of these may be in place, yet you know that it can be hard for a senior and their family to make it from one week to the next. In cases like these, the focus of the cause is seniors and their families. Here are some that advocate for the seniors and families you serve:

• Patients Canada is dedicated to “Raising the Patient Voice” with one of its causes being home care. This is referred to as a campaign, letting you know that there is action taking place! Take note that part of their process is to ensure that people have varied options for home care.
• Canadian Home Care Association (CHCA) works to improve home care in Canadian communities. One of the ways this is done is through advocacy that includes Better Home Care. The group’s cause is to advance the quality of home care.
• Carers Canada is a program within CHCA. Its focus is on the caregivers responsible for care of seniors and other citizens who need and benefit from home care.

It’s likely there are other advocacy groups and organizations in your Province. The ones listed above offer background information for thinking about home care and your potential role as an advocate.

Advocacy for Caregivers: Your Role and Steps to Take

Advocacy for caregivers means that you and like-minded others are interested in:

• Ensuring that systems are in place that support home care for seniors and others who want the service for their loved ones who are ill.
• Promoting the role of the independent caregiver who works for families.
• Assuring that processes are in place that promote caregiving education for family members and professional, independent caregivers.

Sometimes becoming an advocate is planned. At other times, it just happens!

• You find yourself being passionate about the needs of those you care for.
• You hear families talk about the simple things they need to provide their loved ones with proper care.
• Someone asks you where’s a good place to get more information about home care.

When things like this occur, becoming an advocate begins, sometimes before you’re really aware that’s what you’re doing. It comes about because you care. You care about the seniors you serve and their families. You care about your role, as you know there’s so much need out there. So, what steps can you take to advocate for seniors and your caregiving role?

• The first step is to look, listen, and learn by:
  • Looking around and keeping track of simple things that would improve seniors’ lives if the right policies and practices were in place.
  • Listen to what individuals say they need. Are a lot of people saying the same thing? When that happens, keep note as this is something important.
  • Listen to and read the news. Is home care ever discussed? If so, is it accurate in your view?
  • Learn who your local political representatives are. Find out what their position is about home care.
  • Ask around if other private home caregivers are asking the same questions.
• The second step is to read more about the organizations that support home care for seniors, including privately hired caregivers like you.
  • When you’re ready, let the group know that right now you’re simply seeking information.
  • Remember, there’s no need to volunteer unless you choose to do so! Plus, it’s a good idea to learn about the group before diving in.
  • Ask if the organization has an online group for private caregivers. If they do, find out more before deciding if you’re ready to join in.
• The third step is more learning! In this case it’s about advocacy process and action.
  • Often that means slowly becoming familiar with laws and regulations involving home care. You already know a lot because of your work! This step helps with taking part in processes and actions.
  • When you get to this point, it’s time to think about what you’re most passionate about. And, what you like to do as it helps to advocate in a way that works for you!
  • You may like meeting other people, even on the phone. If that’s the case, you’d be comfortable with handing out fliers or doing an opinion poll.
  • You might belong to another community group and want to give a talk on the benefits of home care. That’s another way to advocate for seniors and families.