Adult children bearing the meaningful and challenging burden of caring for an aging parent often have to shoulder that responsibility without the training or assistance needed to manage the emotional, financial, and physical stress of being a caregiver.

AmeriHealth Caritas, a national leader in Medicaid managed care, is working with Carallel to address this need through expanding access to critical resources and support for family caregivers of its nearly 100,000 Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) members in Pennsylvania and Delaware.

LTSS is a program for people with functional limitations, chronic illnesses, and those who need assistance with daily living activities.   

As the U.S. population ages, the number of Americans serving as family caregivers is rising fast — growing by nearly 6 million between 2011 and 2022.

These caregivers play a significant role in supporting their loved ones and helping them maintain independence. They manage a wide range of tasks, including personal care, household chores, care coordination, and transportation. 

“By integrating Carallel’s services into our plans, we can deliver knowledge and guidance to help improve the health of members and caregivers alike,” said Sharon Alexander, president of LTSS Solutions for AmeriHealth Caritas. “The holistic engagement approach Carallel uses is proven to help caregivers navigate their journeys with confidence.”

Alexander said AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware hosted a series of online forums for caregivers, which provided invaluable insight into their daily struggles.

The plan will host another virtual forum on Wednesday, July 30. The forum is free and open to the public.

“We have learned from our forums how important it is that we provide additional support to help family caregivers better manage their stress, preserve their own well-being, and have Carallel provide intervention when needed,” said Dr. Erica Park, AmeriHealth Caritas Market Chief Medical Officer.

Carallel provides caregivers personalized training, a comprehensive burden assessment, self-care prioritization and other services. Family caregivers can receive one-on-one support from expert Care Advocates and have access to Carallel’s digital platform.