Recognition for “Caregiver/Storyteller” Earns $20,000 Prize

CaringKind, the leading expert in Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiving, has won national recognition for its podcast, Caregiver/Storyteller.

The award was made by the Family Caregiver Alliance, a national caregiving advocacy organization based in San Francisco, with the support made possible by grants from The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation and the Bader Philanthropies, Inc.

Unlike other Alzheimer’s caregiving podcasts, the Caregiver/Storyteller podcast doesn’t aim to teach skills. Instead, Caregiver/Storyteller provides a platform for caregivers to share their personal stories in their own words.

“Everyone has a story to tell, and no two caregivers have the same experience,” said Christian Doucette, producer and host of the podcast. “When caregivers listen to these diverse stories, their own experience is affirmed. At the same time, they learn about CaringKind. It’s a win-win.”

"It's more important than ever to promote and honor programs like these that are making a difference in our communities, particularly when it comes to addressing the needs of caregivers and those they care for with Alzheimer's disease or a related condition," said Kathy Kelly, Executive Director, Family Caregiver Alliance.

"We are thrilled with the recognition of the podcast, Christian Doucette, and the whole CaringKind team,“ said Eleonora Tornatore-Mikesh, President and CEO, CaringKind. “So often caregivers are suffering alone with the burden of caring for a relative with dementia. The podcast is an innovative and creative approach, normalizing the caregiving experience and an antidote to the isolation that caregivers experience, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

For over 40 years, CaringKind has provided expert training and support to families affected by Alzheimer’s or related dementias. CaringKind does this through a variety of services such as a Helpline (646-744-2900) over 80 support groups, social work services, specialized training for both professional and family caregivers, education seminars on complicated healthcare issues, and a Wanderer’s Safety Program to protect dementia patients who get lost.

The podcast has been on hiatus during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, despite the pause in production, caregivers continue to listen to these episodes over 100 hours per month, which speaks to the value that these stories have for caregivers. Production is expected to resume this summer.

The podcast can be found on all major podcast sites such as iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, and more. Episodes can be streamed directly from caringkindnyc.org/podcast.

The mission of CaringKind is to create, deliver, and promote comprehensive and compassionate care and support services for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias,and to eliminate Alzheimer’s diseasethrough the advancement of research. We achieve our mission by providing programs and services for individuals with dementia, their family and professional caregivers; increasing public awareness; collaborating with research centers; and informing public policy through advocacy.

About Family Caregiver Alliance: For more than 40 years, FCA has provided services to family caregivers of adults with physical and cognitive impairments, such as Parkinson’s, stroke, Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Our services include assessment, care planning, direct care skills, wellness programs, respite services, and legal/financial consultation vouchers. Ongoing support is available with FCA, also now on a digital service platform. FCA is a longtime advocate for caregivers in the areas of policy, health and social system development, research, and public awareness, on the state, national and international levels.

The mission of The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation is to invest in programs that promote education, tolerance, social services, healthcare, and the arts. The Foundation builds on the ideals and pursuits of its founders, Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert. In addition, the Foundation funds Arts Education and Culture in Los Angeles, Jewish programs in Los Angeles, and universities in California. In the area of Alzheimer's disease, The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation focuses its grant-making on the advancement of research by junior investigators in the United States and Israel and investments in Alzheimer's disease caregiving.

Milwaukee-based Bader Philanthropies, Inc. is a philanthropic leader in improving the quality of life of the diverse communities in which it works. The organization funds innovative projects and programs, convenes partners, and shares knowledge to affect emerging issues in key areas. Since its founding in 1992 as the Helen Bader Foundation, the organization has committed more than $375 million in grants and program related investments, such as loans, loan guarantees, credit enhancements and equity investments that advance its charitable mission.