We recognize that as healthcare shifts to home and community-based settings, family members will play an increasingly important role in the delivery of health care services, especially with a rapidly aging population.
IFC offers a variety of workshops and classes that address the scope of family caregiving responsibilities, key challenges, strategies for dealing with typical problems, legal requirements, financial protection and self-care. IFC also sponsors “The Empowered Caregiver” program, which offers webinars and provides customized coaching to individuals and guidance to caregiver support organizations.
“Willetha & Harold Barnette delivered a thorough and thoughtful presentation. Their expertise and experience were obvious. And their empathy and compassion came through when they delivered the very necessary and sobering information all of us need if we want to care for our parents. Their counsel was also helpful to those who want to exercise some control over how and where they live in their last chapter.”
“This is just a note to congratulate you on the outstanding Family Caregiver Support and Education class you facilitated recently. It was informative and addressed the concerns about caregiving with sensitivity, honesty, and transparency. I especially appreciated that there were a myriad of advocacy groups/agencies that were able to present during the course of the class so that the attendees got a better understanding of the family caregivers’ options. I came away from your class with more knowledge about the issues that family caregivers face.”
“Ms. Barnette has worked with our medical students for the past several years and she is phenomenal! She speaks with the students each spring to help them understand how to approach older patients so that each patient is treated with respect and dignity. She is also a passionate advocate for caregivers and shares with our students the challenging and often hidden burden that caregivers carry in our society. Ms. Barnette speaks with warmth, compassion, and dignity. She approaches these difficult discussions from both personal experience and thoughtful reflection – she has been invaluable to our students!”
“I can’t speak highly enough about IFC and the programs that they offer. When Harold and Willetha led a program for our guests at the SECU Family House, our guests came away feeling encouraged and empowered. I could see it in their faces, like a weight was lifted. IFC offers much-needed practical advice and wisdom to caregivers and their families, and they do it in a beautifully empathetic way that reminds people that they are not alone on the journey.”
“Navigating eldercare is not easy and sometimes the healthcare system presents obstacles that are difficult to overcome. Willetha Barnette shares her story that includes the challenges and blessings of family caregiving. She provides the learner with an honest, heartfelt portrayal of what family caregiving entails. Healthcare providers and community members alike can glean pearls of wisdom from her presentation that will improve the aging experience for patients, clients and family members.”