Navigating Health Disparities in End-of-Life Care: Challenges for Caregivers (member only)

Overview:

As our population ages, the critical role of caregivers in providing support to dying individuals becomes increasingly evident. However, health disparities persist, affecting both those at the end of life and their dedicated caregivers.

In this presentation, we will delve into the multifaceted challenges faced by caregivers, particularly focusing on limited resources.

Key topics include:

• Financial Strain: Explore how financial constraints impact caregivers’ ability to provide quality care. We’ll discuss strategies to alleviate financial burdens and promote equitable access to resources.
• Staffing Challenges: Investigate the shortage of professional caregivers and the strain it places on family members. We’ll address workforce gaps and potential solutions to enhance staffing support.
• Emotional Well-Being: Recognize the emotional toll on caregivers as they navigate grief, stress, and burnout. Learn about interventions to bolster emotional resilience and self-care.
• Equity and Advocacy: Understand the disparities faced by different caregiver populations, including racial and socioeconomic factors. Discover advocacy approaches to bridge gaps and promote fairness.

Presenter: Jessica Curd, LCSW, ACSW, ACHP-SW, APHSW-C

Jessica’s career in social work is marked by a deep commitment to advocacy and education. As a PhD Candidate at the Indiana University School of Social Work, she has dedicated her professional life to addressing some of the most pressing issues in the field, from equity at end of life to mental health. Her involvement in regional and national committees, such as NASW-IN,NHPCO, SWHPN, & AAIDD, underscores her dedication to improving care, equity, and inclusion at end of life as well as advancing disability rights. Jessica’s research interests, including end-of-life disparities, disability justice, and the experiences of women with autism, reflect a deep understanding of intersectionality and the complexities of human experience. Her private practice, Red Wheelbarrow Counseling, emerged from practice experience and recognition in gaps of specialized mental health care and life skills for neurodivergent persons or those experiencing multiple layers of disparity. Her practice focuses on specialized support for individuals grappling with grief, trauma, and/or neurodivergence. Jessica’s is driven by a passion to create a more inclusive and compassionate society and strives at all levels to support this mission.