New Web Service Helps Long Distance Caregiving Faculty Members
Service helps transcend latest distance challenge -- assisting remote elderly parents. Staff can audit new resource during free Open House.
(PRWEB) June 25, 2005 -- A few years ago, long distance learning loomed as the new faculty frontier. Preparing curricula and delivering electronic courses to remote classrooms and PC desktops was the latest challenge. Now, a seed planted when many faculty members accepted appointments at out of state schools, is taking root. Faculty members are increasingly facing the need to assist elderly parents back home. Where TAs, IT staffs and electronic curriculum designers helped meet the distance learning challenge, faculty members must personally confront this latest obstacle. Parent Care is a new web service designed to help address a persistent issue that wont wait until Office Hours".
Job-related relocations fueled the rapid expansion of this seven-million strong contingent of long distance caregivers. Thousands of faculty and administrators are part of this often overlooked subset of the countrys twenty-two million caregivers. On average remote caregivers miss 2 -- 3 days a month from work due to eldercare-related responsibilities. They spend $400 - $700 a month to assist their folks but, unaware of their availability, seldom apply for reimbursements or rebates. Some forego promotions and 40% are so stressed they express a need for an eldercare respite. While some schools provide assistance, it is generally restricted to communities surrounding campus. Remote caregivers are often left on their own to find assistance.
The Parent Care service (www.parents-care.com) is the only service available that integrates national, state and detailed local resources. Each subscriber receives a downloadable eight-to-ten page Parent Care Report that highlights services in their parents county along with links to state and national services. A sample report is posted for Open House visitors review. The reports can be printed for reading. However, when downloaded to users PC desktops, the report becomes a powerful electronic reference tool. Whenever connected to the Internet, without logging onto Parent Care, caregivers can use the numerous links included in their reports. Periodic downloads are recommended because the reports are regularly updated.
The service also includes seasonal information, monthly articles by experts who will answer emailed questions, weekly chats with caregiving peers, daily tips and 24/7 senior-related news. Uniquely, the service is tailored to each individual caregiver. Each receives a personal home page with links to their folks local newspapers and even the local Better Business Bureau to do background checks on service providers.
An array of safety checklists is available as well, along with book reviews, links to videos, e-courses, senior friendly products, applications and forms. A Smile Maker" section to add a touch of cheer is also provided.
Having enjoyed close affiliations with schools and faculty members throughout my career, I hope we can help them as they continue to prepare tomorrows leaders, " commented William Gillis, the firms CEO. Our open house will give faculty firsthand experience with our site and administrators a possible new benefit to offer."
About Parent Care, Inc.
Parent Care specializes in providing information for the daughters and sons of senior citizens. Parent Care, The Parent Care Report and The Parent Care Channel are registered trademarks of the firm.
# # #
|
