Dayton, OH – Last year we reported on a growing trend—the “caregiver crunch.” There are many many people worldwide who are doing a job they were never trained for: managing the health and wellness of an aging loved one. And these caregiver roles are projected to get more demanding and more isolating as we approach what is being called a caregiver cliff. We’re rapidly moving to a time when fewer caregivers will be available for each person who needs one. This trend has sparked new debates around the world about how to support caregivers, and we are starting to see new ideas emerge around support systems, employment law and financial incentives to help ease the burden.
Just this week, a new tool for the caregiver’s tool belt was launched by a startup in Dayton, OH. It’s an app called Carely, and it’s mission is to make organizing and communicating within a care network easy and efficient. The app lets you build a network of support with your loved one at the center. From there, friends and family form a support circle around them, plus an additional circle forms beyond this that’s made up of care providers—HCPs, assisted living workers, and even hospice care. Information and content can quickly and easily be posted and shared across the network in real time, eliminating the need for multiple one-off communications. Providers can also upload important documentation, resources, and even bios and information about the loved one’s immediate care team so that everyone has access.
Why this matters:
Right now, the app certainly has immediate impact in streamlining communication for caregivers. As more and more providers opt-in and participate, the power of this tool will grow exponentially. Beyond HCPs, there is opportunity for pharma brands to seek out solutions like these and get involved help to define what their appropriate role might be. Tools and networks like Carely might just be the future infrastructure for distributing valuable, relevant patient support tools and content into the hands of those that need it most.
