Abstract
This workshop will provide attendees with a 1) overview of the military and veteran care experience from both the adult and youth perspective, and 2) hands-on interactive learning within a unique program (YCare), targeting children, youth and young adults as caregivers, ‘young carers’. Approximately 2.3 million young carers exist in military families, yet remain hidden, with few outlets for support, care education and interaction with health care providers. Based within clinical experience and developed through applied research, the YCare protocol is a peer-engaged, education, skill, and support program for young carers living with ill, injured, or wounded veteran family members. YCare was designed to address the unique needs of young carers between the ages of 8-18 and is led by professionals trained in the YCare program, including OT, PT, Social work, respiratory and speech therapy. Through guided role-playing and experiential learning, workshop participants will explore YCare principles in action and rotate through short, YCare program modules addressing hands-on care, emotional needs, peer support, and managing family interactions. Workshop participants will also discuss ways in which they can integrate both adult and youth veteran caregivers into their own practice. By workshop’s end, participants will identify key strategies for supporting, educating and integrating caregivers of all ages into patient-centered care models, understand the benefits of family engagement in military and veteran care, and leave with actionable tools and frameworks to apply in clinical, community, or educational settings.
Presenters
Melinda KavanaughProfessor, Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Health Promotion and Education
KEYWORDS
Young Carers, Caregiver Health, Patient Centered Care, Care Education
