“Caregiving is the Backbone of Accessibility” – Why the Work of Nancy’s House is SO important for Accessible Housing

Maintaining yourself as a care partner in the best possible way to be physically, mentally, and emotionally strong is what allows you to provide the best care and support for this person who is relying on you for their well-being. In this episode, Elissa Lewin teaches how to care for yourself while caring for others, and how this will allow you both to maintain a level of independence. She breaks down the benefits of attending one of Nancy's House's retreats or online programs, as well as how to make them accessible to care providers who may not have the time or resources to attend in person. Let’s dive in!

Elissa Lewin is a licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and serial caregiver. She founded Nancy’s House in 2006 to fill a need for service to family caregivers. Caregivers are the invisible backbone of our healthcare system. Yet, historically, there have been few services available to support them, despite the constant cry of “Caregivers need to take care of themselves.”

Key Highlights:

[00:01 - 08:09] Opening Segment

• Elissa introduces what Nancy's House does and its mission

A nonprofit that provides support to family caregivers in the form of retreats, online programs, and workshops

• How caregivers in the mid-Atlantic region can find relief from the stresses of care

Some attendees may not be able to attend events, but there are shorter, accessible programs available

[08:10 - 16:18] Nancy's House

• The difference between Nancy's House and respite

• Why the cost of Nancy's events is high

• The educational workshops that are included

Paying attention to body signals, maintaining independence, and recognizing when a loved one needs care

[16:19 - 24:29] The Backbone of Accessibility

• It's important for caregivers to care of themselves so they can take care of people with disabilities

• Elissa stresses why the biggest challenge for caregivers is funding

Caregivers are invisible, and finding recognition and support is hard

• How Elissa came up with the name Nancy's House

[24:30 - 29:56] Closing Segment

• When the National Caregiving Conference will be

Don’t miss it, register here.

Want to connect with Elissa? Head to her website, caring for caregivers! 

Key Quotes:

"Nancy's house breaks the isolation and exhaustion that can come with taking care of somebody who is chronically ill or disabled." - Elissa Lewin

"There is the gratification that comes with taking care of somebody else, and that is absolutely true and undeniable. And for a lot of people that gratification is what keeps them going." - Elissa Lewin

"Care provision is the backbone of accessibility." - Elissa Lewin

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Accessible Housing Matters is dedicated to raising awareness about important issues around accessibility and housing, and getting conversations going.

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