Pennsylvania - The Pennsylvania Department of Aging launched the PA CareKit in May, providing unpaid caretakers with varied forms of personalised advice on how to do their jobs. After seeing it in action, groups from across the nation are praising the CareKit and its tools.

"Caregivers often don't know where to turn for assistance. This tool is a great example of an easy-to-use and extensive resource to help caregivers get the help they need," says Wendy Fox-Grage, Senior Director, The National Academy for State Health Policy.

The PA CareKit is a set of personalized resource guides and other resources for families to care for those who can't care for themselves or help them make educated decisions when looking for a professional caretaker. Printed versions are available at public libraries and Senior Community Centers across the Commonwealth, and a digital version is available online.

"The PA CareKit is a powerful example of how governments can leverage innovation to streamline access to critical information for family caregivers. By centralizing tools and resources in one place, Pennsylvania is helping families more easily navigate long-term services and supports, which often feel overwhelming and fragmented," says Jason Resendez, President & CEO, National Alliance for Caregiving.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, some of the main reasons the program is being received well by caregiving experts are that the CareKit:

  • gives caregivers a clear starting point when they don't know where to begin
  • supports all types of caregivers, including spouses, adult children, and grandparents raising grandchildren
  • offers customized guidance based on each caregiver's role and needs
  • reflects real-life caregiving challenges because it was built with input from caregivers and experts

The PA CareKit is the first step in the Department of Aging's 10-year "Aging Our Way" plan to improve the Commonwealth's aging services infrastructure.