• When engaging busy and often overscheduled family caregivers, create opportunities for asynchronous learning, such as podcasts or webinars they can enjoy when most convenient for them. Asynchronous engagement is especially helpful to family caregivers who are still employed and cannot leave work to attend classes and for family caregivers who cannot attend programs in person or online while caring for their loved one.
  • Family caregivers often benefit from peer-to-peer support, which can be achieved through peer mentoring programs. At other times, family caregivers may benefit from the volunteer serving as the support/assistance provider. The needs of family caregivers vary and often change, so provide programs that can adapt to these fluctuating needs.
  • To attract participants and volunteers, offer an array of engagement options both in person and virtually to meet them where they are. Organizations must be flexible to meet the needs and interests of their target populations. For example, virtual respite programs may sound uncustomary, but may be very helpful to caregivers and care recipients.
  • Consider offering program activities that include both the care recipient and family caregiver together. This allows the family caregiver to step out of the caregiving role temporarily and enjoy participation in activities with their loved one. Provide an environment that feels safe and welcoming to both the family caregiver and the care recipient.
  • To avoid monotony with social activities and educational programs, offer new programs as often as possible to facilitate interest and engagement.
  • Some care recipients may not be appropriate for virtual programming. Consider providing the caregiver with activities for the care recipient to complete in the home. Provide a protocol for how to use the activity most effectively to promote fun and satisfying interactions. Provide a variety of activities from very simple to more sophisticated. Include some activities the care recipient can do unassisted to give the caregiver an opportunity for some down time.
  • Do not assume care recipients and family caregivers will be comfortable with initial meetings with volunteers in their homes. Plan community locations accessible to both for initial meetings until a level of trust and comfort is established. You may need to include a line item in the budget to cover the cost of renting space if in-kind space is not available.
  • Women seem more inclined to attend socialization events than men. Create sessions that would interest men specifically to bring them to your events.