Caregivers Count Too! Toolkit: Background
Background
Establishing caregiver assessment as a basic component of practice across care settings requires a fundamental change in thinking and practice. In September 2005, the Family Caregiver Alliance’s (FCA) National Center on Caregiving convened the National Consensus Development Conference for Caregiver Assessment. The conference brought together widely recognized leaders in health and long-term care to advance policy and practice on behalf of family and informal caregivers.
Through the consensus development process, conference participants agreed on the central importance of incorporating an assessment of caregiver needs in everyday practice and service delivery settings. These leaders also agreed on basic principles and practice guidelines for caregiver assessment. Their work to advance a family-centered approach to working with older people and adults with disabilities infuses all sections of this toolkit.