By Guest Blogger Kathleen Kelly, MPA, Executive Director, Family Caregiver Alliance, National Center on Caregiving
As the demographics shift to reflect an aging population, innovation abounds in the area of developing new assistive technologies to make life tasks easier for an individual with disabilities or for a family caregiver. How does one find out about existing or new technologies? One answer is finding information on the Internet, and a recent online survey of caregivers provides some insight into this question.
Recently, the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation in the Department of Health and Human Services embarked on a project entitled, “Accelerating Adoption of Assistive Technology to Reduce Physical Strain among Family Caregivers of the Chronically Disabled Elderly Living at Home.” A large title – and charge – to figure out the best ways to match assistive technologies to specific needs and then, get those technologies into the hands of family caregivers to use.
Some gaps in information remained after the literature search, particularly around how do family caregivers learn about and use assistive technologies. Some of the key questions for families were, “How do family caregivers learn about assistive technologies?” and when they do, “Who determines the need, how available is training on the use of assistive technologies and who pays for the technologies used?”
To this end, a brief survey was prepared by The Lewin Group to determine trend information on what types of assistive technologies are used to maintain independence and make life easier for the family caregiver, who paid for these technologies and some basic information about the caregiver filling out the survey. The survey was fielded online through the Aging and Disability Resource Centers, some Area Agencies on Aging and Family Caregiver Alliance, National Center on Caregiving. It was marketed for four months throughout the summer, and 421 surveys were started with 319 completed.
The survey responses yielded some interesting findings. 60 percent responded that they had used assistive technologies: mobility aids (93%); bathing aids (89%); technology for emergency calls for help (84%); medication management (75%); and toileting aids (73%). 31 percent had also used an online communication tool to facilitate the caregiving process. While a majority indicated that these technologies helped a lot, almost two-thirds of family members paid for them out-of- pocket. For those who said that they had never used technologies, the majority stated that they were not aware of assistive technology options.
Almost 60 percent of caregivers said that they have never had any training in device use, simplifying self-care tasks or techniques to minimize the risk of physical injury from caregiving tasks, while more than half reported moderate to heavy physical strain from such tasks. More than two-thirds indicated a need for more help or information about assistive technologies and half needed training in use of technologies. The Internet was the main source of information about technologies, home modifications or training for family caregivers.
The survey respondents were overwhelmingly female, in their mid-fifties and providing assistance to a relative or friend with an average age of 73. One caregiver’s comment summed it up, “I practically turned into an occupational therapist trying to find ways to accomplish all the various activities of daily living which changed, and changed, and changed again throughout my mother’s decline. I did a great deal of research online to educate myself and come up with practical solutions.”
What were the “take-away” messages from this survey? While assistive technologies and home modification to make daily care routines easier were the major activities, “smart technologies” are increasingly being investigated and used by family caregivers. And the cost for all technologies is largely borne by family caregivers followed by the person with disabilities. Large numbers of caregivers are not aware of useful technologies and even fewer caregivers get any training about their use. And those who are seeking information and training are turning to the Internet.
What is needed to provide family caregivers with access about assistive technologies? While databases of assistive technologies exist online, there needs to be better linkage between a problem identified and the possible technology solution. Just a database alone is not enough and is often overwhelming. Next, there needs to be training on the use of technologies online using quality production values and available in multiple languages. Training needs to include how to identify the problem, match the technology (or modify the home) and finally instructions on use of the device, program or modification made to the home.
In addition, there needs to be training of professionals and paraprofessionals in the community about assistive technologies and most importantly, where to refer family caregivers and adults with disabilities for additional assistance. The use of assistive technologies has proven to be successful in preventing injuries and alleviating stress in family caregivers. Now the task at hand is making sure families have access and support in using these technologies, so they may provide better care at a lower risk for themselves and for their loved ones
Friday, November 18, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Community Care Access Centre
“It was really great, because the physiotherapist worked with Hank and showed him how to walk while a special wound nurse also attended to him and gave instructions how to care for his wound. When the Case Manager from the Community Care Access Centre came in and talked to us about Home First and arranged to have a nurse come to our home to care for his wound, we were so pleased and reassured.”
HOME FIRST, a philosophy that promotes safe and timely care, services and supports to meet health care needs of patients and families in the most appropriate setting, was first introduced to local health service providers in September 2010 as part of the LHIN’s Aging at Home strategy and is fully implemented in all fourteen acute care hospital sites in the Central East region.
It has resulted in stronger partnerships amongst the hospitals, the Central East Community Care Access Centre (CECCAC) and local Community Support Services (CSS) agencies as they work together to ensure that all patients entering a hospital in the Central East region have the ability to go Home First. With the leadership of the CECCAC, over 4,000 clients have been discharged home with enhanced services since last fall. This has helped to reduce emergency department wait times as patients can now be safely discharged, in a timely manner, by providing services in their home.
“It’s (Home First) so much more economical for the whole system,” Hank observes, “and is one of the smarter moves on the part of the health system. When most people talk about health care, they don’t think about receiving services in the home so that you don’t have to stay in the hospital occupying a bed.”
Did you know?
HOME FIRST, a philosophy that promotes safe and timely care, services and supports to meet health care needs of patients and families in the most appropriate setting, was first introduced to local health service providers in September 2010 as part of the LHIN’s Aging at Home strategy and is fully implemented in all fourteen acute care hospital sites in the Central East region.
It has resulted in stronger partnerships amongst the hospitals, the Central East Community Care Access Centre (CECCAC) and local Community Support Services (CSS) agencies as they work together to ensure that all patients entering a hospital in the Central East region have the ability to go Home First. With the leadership of the CECCAC, over 4,000 clients have been discharged home with enhanced services since last fall. This has helped to reduce emergency department wait times as patients can now be safely discharged, in a timely manner, by providing services in their home.
“It’s (Home First) so much more economical for the whole system,” Hank observes, “and is one of the smarter moves on the part of the health system. When most people talk about health care, they don’t think about receiving services in the home so that you don’t have to stay in the hospital occupying a bed.”
Did you know?
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Home Care
Home health services are an easy target for budget-cutters because they are not required by federal law, have been subject to fraud and don't have deep-pocketed special interests advocating for them. But steep cuts in these services eventually could cost states more money if they end up pushing more people out of their own houses and into nursing homes that would require taxpayer subsidies.
"Just because you cut the budget doesn't mean their needs go away," said Anita Bradberry, executive director of the Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice Inc.
Medicaid, the state-federal program that pays for medical and long-term care for the poor and disabled, is generally required to help fund nursing homes but not home care and community services.
The price of an adult day health centre is $67 a day on average, compared with $229 a day for a private room at a nursing home, according to a 2010 survey released by insurance company MetLife Inc.
Overall, Medicaid spending on nursing homes came to $46.5 billion in 2007, the latest figures available, while home health services cost $6.3 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Before the recession, U.S. states actually expanded home health programs because they are less costly. But now, with so many states facing billion-dollar deficits, lawmakers say they have no choice but to cut Medicaid spending, the second-biggest spending item for states behind education.
"Just because you cut the budget doesn't mean their needs go away," said Anita Bradberry, executive director of the Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice Inc.
Medicaid, the state-federal program that pays for medical and long-term care for the poor and disabled, is generally required to help fund nursing homes but not home care and community services.
The price of an adult day health centre is $67 a day on average, compared with $229 a day for a private room at a nursing home, according to a 2010 survey released by insurance company MetLife Inc.
Overall, Medicaid spending on nursing homes came to $46.5 billion in 2007, the latest figures available, while home health services cost $6.3 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Before the recession, U.S. states actually expanded home health programs because they are less costly. But now, with so many states facing billion-dollar deficits, lawmakers say they have no choice but to cut Medicaid spending, the second-biggest spending item for states behind education.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Veterans Long Term Care and assisted living
Veteran Financial Aid for Long-term Care and Home Healthcare
By Marlo Sollitto
Over 1.5 million wartime service veterans and their surviving spouses are eligible for billions of dollars a years in VA pensions to help pay for long-term care such as assisted living, nursing home and home care. The pensions are called "Aid and Attendance" and "Housebound." Many are not getting the benefits they are eligible for, because they lack the knowledge of what programs are available and don't know how to file for pension benefits.
Although many veterans are eligible for pensions, filling out the necessary forms and understanding the filing process can often be overwhelming and frustrating.
Author Joseph Scott McCarthy helps make the process easier with his book, "Checks for Vets." In addition to containing information about veteran pensions, the book contains samples of the forms veterans and their caregivers need, as well as tips for successfully filing a claim for an Aid and Attendance or Housebound pension.
In an interview with AgingCare.com, McCarthy answers some common questions about veteran pension and financial assistance.
Q. Can caregivers get any financial assistance for caring for a vet? Can they get paid for caregiving?
Yes, both professional caregivers and spouses or family members of veterans may get tax-free money for caring for veterans or surviving spouses. The VA program is called Aid and Attendance or Housebound pension and requires the claimant to meet eligibility to receive the money. A veteran with a dependent for example, may receive as much as $23,000/year to use to pay for un-reimbursed long-term care.
Q. Do VA benefits cover nursing homes or assisted living?
A. Yes, VA pension benefits can cover a portion of nursing home care if the veteran or surviving spouse is paying for the care out-of-pocket. Since with some exceptions, assisted living is un-reimbursed by insurance, the money from the VA pension can be the difference that allows the veteran or surviving spouse to afford the cost of assisted living.
When you add the social security income sources to the VA pension, many claimants can afford the monthly bill for assisted living. For example, if a veteran has $1,400 per month in social security and pensions and receives the maximum pension ($1,644 per month, with no dependent) the total money available is $3,044 per month and should cover most of the monthly bill from assisted living.
Q. Does it have to be a VA facility, or can the vet and/or caregivers choose any nursing home they want?
A. The vet can choose any assisted living, home care provider, or nursing home they want. It does not have to be a VA facility. The provider does not have to be VA certified and any physician can document the care-needs of the claimant.
Q. Do any vet programs cover the cost of home health care?
A. Yes, the Aid and Attendance and Housebound Pension is available in the home provided all eligibility criteria is met. The pension can pay for the care in the home, assisted living, independent living, and nursing homes.
Q. What is the difference between Aid and Attendance and Housebound pensions?
A. The care-needs and the rates of payment are the main difference. For an Aid and Attendance pension, the claimant must need activities of daily living such as dressing or bathing. For the Housebound pension, the claimant must be substantially confined to his or her immediate premises because of a permanent disability. For example, your sister, a veteran of the Korean War, is a widow, is confined to her home due to a permanent disability, but is able to provide her own activities of daily living care. Because of her disability, she requires oxygen therapy, has difficulty walking for which she uses a wheeled walker, and her physician ordered her driver's license taken away. She is paying out of pocket for transportation services in order to go food shopping and to keep doctors' appointments. Since her disability caused her to lose her driver's license, and she now needs transportation services to leave her home, she satisfies the care-needs qualification for Housebound benefits.
By Marlo Sollitto
Over 1.5 million wartime service veterans and their surviving spouses are eligible for billions of dollars a years in VA pensions to help pay for long-term care such as assisted living, nursing home and home care. The pensions are called "Aid and Attendance" and "Housebound." Many are not getting the benefits they are eligible for, because they lack the knowledge of what programs are available and don't know how to file for pension benefits.
Although many veterans are eligible for pensions, filling out the necessary forms and understanding the filing process can often be overwhelming and frustrating.
Author Joseph Scott McCarthy helps make the process easier with his book, "Checks for Vets." In addition to containing information about veteran pensions, the book contains samples of the forms veterans and their caregivers need, as well as tips for successfully filing a claim for an Aid and Attendance or Housebound pension.
In an interview with AgingCare.com, McCarthy answers some common questions about veteran pension and financial assistance.
Q. Can caregivers get any financial assistance for caring for a vet? Can they get paid for caregiving?
Yes, both professional caregivers and spouses or family members of veterans may get tax-free money for caring for veterans or surviving spouses. The VA program is called Aid and Attendance or Housebound pension and requires the claimant to meet eligibility to receive the money. A veteran with a dependent for example, may receive as much as $23,000/year to use to pay for un-reimbursed long-term care.
Q. Do VA benefits cover nursing homes or assisted living?
A. Yes, VA pension benefits can cover a portion of nursing home care if the veteran or surviving spouse is paying for the care out-of-pocket. Since with some exceptions, assisted living is un-reimbursed by insurance, the money from the VA pension can be the difference that allows the veteran or surviving spouse to afford the cost of assisted living.
When you add the social security income sources to the VA pension, many claimants can afford the monthly bill for assisted living. For example, if a veteran has $1,400 per month in social security and pensions and receives the maximum pension ($1,644 per month, with no dependent) the total money available is $3,044 per month and should cover most of the monthly bill from assisted living.
Q. Does it have to be a VA facility, or can the vet and/or caregivers choose any nursing home they want?
A. The vet can choose any assisted living, home care provider, or nursing home they want. It does not have to be a VA facility. The provider does not have to be VA certified and any physician can document the care-needs of the claimant.
Q. Do any vet programs cover the cost of home health care?
A. Yes, the Aid and Attendance and Housebound Pension is available in the home provided all eligibility criteria is met. The pension can pay for the care in the home, assisted living, independent living, and nursing homes.
Q. What is the difference between Aid and Attendance and Housebound pensions?
A. The care-needs and the rates of payment are the main difference. For an Aid and Attendance pension, the claimant must need activities of daily living such as dressing or bathing. For the Housebound pension, the claimant must be substantially confined to his or her immediate premises because of a permanent disability. For example, your sister, a veteran of the Korean War, is a widow, is confined to her home due to a permanent disability, but is able to provide her own activities of daily living care. Because of her disability, she requires oxygen therapy, has difficulty walking for which she uses a wheeled walker, and her physician ordered her driver's license taken away. She is paying out of pocket for transportation services in order to go food shopping and to keep doctors' appointments. Since her disability caused her to lose her driver's license, and she now needs transportation services to leave her home, she satisfies the care-needs qualification for Housebound benefits.
Monday, May 30, 2011
HOME CARE SAFETY FOR SENIORS
Mass Senior is sponsoring the issue of Home Safety by urging our City ,
State and Federal legislators
to remind all of our citizens of the obligation to ensure the Independence with a proclamation
Declaring July Home Safety Awareness Month
GIVE SENIORS THE CHOICE OF HOME OVER NURSING HOMES
One-third of all injuries in the United States happen accidentally, at home. Seniors over the age of 70
are among the highest risk group of unintentional home injury, both fatal and non-fatal.
“Seniors over the age of 80 are twenty times more likely (than the younger generation)
to have an accident at home turn deadly,
“Just like you baby proof your home for an infant, you must take extra
steps to provide a save home environment for your elderly loved one.
This isn’t difficult but often times it takes a trained eye to recognize
danger zones for the elderly; that’s how our caregivers can help.
Top Five Leading Causes of Senior, Accidental Home Injury Death are,
1. Falls; 2. Fire/Burn;3.Poisoning; 4. Natural/Environmental (such as extreme heat/cold or a natural disaster);5. Choking/Suffocation
Falls alone account for 52.5 percent of all home injury deaths for adults age 65-74.
That percentage spikes by more than 25 percent for seniors age 85 and older. Below
are some vital tips to follow to prevent your senior from taking a fall in or around the home:
n Have handrails on BOTH sides of stairs and grab bars in bathrooms.
n 1/3 of households in America with stairs DO NOT have banisters or handrails.
n Only 19 percent of households in America have grab bars in tubs/showers.
n Have a lot of light at the top and bottom of stairs. Also, keep hallways well lit.
n Paint the bottom basement step white to make it more visible.
n Secure rugs to the floor to prevent tripping.
n Outside – be sure to check steps and walkways for loose bricks, cement or stone.
Fire/Burn Prevention:
n Always stay in the kitchen while cooking. And, roll up your sleeves when cooking/baking.
n Keep things that can burn, such as dishtowels or curtains, at least three feet from the range.
n Test fire alarms monthly. Install fire alarms on every level of your home, specifically near or inside all bedrooms.
n Consider having a fire sprinkler system installed in your home.
n Keep outside grills at least 10 feet away from the house and any bushes.
n Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
n Have chimneys, fireplaces, stoves and central furnaces inspected once a year. Clean as needed
.Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace.
n Keep your water heater set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember, seniors have
thinner skin than middle-aged adults and can burn more easily.
“Studies show that seniors would much rather live at home versus in a nursing home
, so home safety is the key to accident prevention,
. “Sometimes seniors may take offense if family members try to
safety proof their home.
That’s why it often makes sense to bring in a third party, like a professional caregiver,
to make changes so there are no hard feelings in the family.”
State and Federal legislators
to remind all of our citizens of the obligation to ensure the Independence with a proclamation
Declaring July Home Safety Awareness Month
GIVE SENIORS THE CHOICE OF HOME OVER NURSING HOMES
One-third of all injuries in the United States happen accidentally, at home. Seniors over the age of 70
are among the highest risk group of unintentional home injury, both fatal and non-fatal.
“Seniors over the age of 80 are twenty times more likely (than the younger generation)
to have an accident at home turn deadly,
“Just like you baby proof your home for an infant, you must take extra
steps to provide a save home environment for your elderly loved one.
This isn’t difficult but often times it takes a trained eye to recognize
danger zones for the elderly; that’s how our caregivers can help.
Top Five Leading Causes of Senior, Accidental Home Injury Death are,
1. Falls; 2. Fire/Burn;3.Poisoning; 4. Natural/Environmental (such as extreme heat/cold or a natural disaster);5. Choking/Suffocation
Falls alone account for 52.5 percent of all home injury deaths for adults age 65-74.
That percentage spikes by more than 25 percent for seniors age 85 and older. Below
are some vital tips to follow to prevent your senior from taking a fall in or around the home:
n Have handrails on BOTH sides of stairs and grab bars in bathrooms.
n 1/3 of households in America with stairs DO NOT have banisters or handrails.
n Only 19 percent of households in America have grab bars in tubs/showers.
n Have a lot of light at the top and bottom of stairs. Also, keep hallways well lit.
n Paint the bottom basement step white to make it more visible.
n Secure rugs to the floor to prevent tripping.
n Outside – be sure to check steps and walkways for loose bricks, cement or stone.
Fire/Burn Prevention:
n Always stay in the kitchen while cooking. And, roll up your sleeves when cooking/baking.
n Keep things that can burn, such as dishtowels or curtains, at least three feet from the range.
n Test fire alarms monthly. Install fire alarms on every level of your home, specifically near or inside all bedrooms.
n Consider having a fire sprinkler system installed in your home.
n Keep outside grills at least 10 feet away from the house and any bushes.
n Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
n Have chimneys, fireplaces, stoves and central furnaces inspected once a year. Clean as needed
.Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace.
n Keep your water heater set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember, seniors have
thinner skin than middle-aged adults and can burn more easily.
“Studies show that seniors would much rather live at home versus in a nursing home
, so home safety is the key to accident prevention,
. “Sometimes seniors may take offense if family members try to
safety proof their home.
That’s why it often makes sense to bring in a third party, like a professional caregiver,
to make changes so there are no hard feelings in the family.”
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Assisted Living and Health Center for Elderly
Seniors Guide Online Unveils Social Media Resources For Seniors and Marketing Professionals
PRWeb Thu, 12 May 2011 06:13 AM PDT
Seniors Guide Online, the leading online and print resource for senior retirement housing options, home health care, senior products and services is now participating in several social media platforms. Baby boomers and seniors alike will find Seniors Guideâs Twitter @SeniorsGuide , Facebook.com/SeniorsGuideOnline and YouTube.com/SeniorsGuideOnline fun to follow and watch. (PRWeb May 12, 2011 ...
San Francisco Senior Center Receives Grant to Help Local Seniors
Marketwire Wed, 11 May 2011 14:09 PM PDT
SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - May 11, 2011) - As part of a $10,000 grant from The Home Instead Senior Care Foundation, San Francisco Senior Center will support its Homecoming Transitional Care Program (HTCP). Each year, the HTCP provides services to more than 200 low-income, isolated seniors and people with disabilities who need hospital-to-home transitional care that includes case management ...
See more health stories that match my keyword
PRWeb Thu, 12 May 2011 06:13 AM PDT
Seniors Guide Online, the leading online and print resource for senior retirement housing options, home health care, senior products and services is now participating in several social media platforms. Baby boomers and seniors alike will find Seniors Guideâs Twitter @SeniorsGuide , Facebook.com/SeniorsGuideOnline and YouTube.com/SeniorsGuideOnline fun to follow and watch. (PRWeb May 12, 2011 ...
San Francisco Senior Center Receives Grant to Help Local Seniors
Marketwire Wed, 11 May 2011 14:09 PM PDT
SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - May 11, 2011) - As part of a $10,000 grant from The Home Instead Senior Care Foundation, San Francisco Senior Center will support its Homecoming Transitional Care Program (HTCP). Each year, the HTCP provides services to more than 200 low-income, isolated seniors and people with disabilities who need hospital-to-home transitional care that includes case management ...
See more health stories that match my keyword
Thursday, April 14, 2011
fund raisers
Practical Tips to Put the Fun into Fundraising
By Leah Dobkin
If you’re like most nonprofit professionals in the field of aging, fundraisers are your least favorite activity. They fall way down on your “have-to” list.
But studies indicate that almost half of nonprofit organizations use fundraisers as a major source of revenue.
Fundraising events are not just about raising dollars. They’re also about raising supporters to strengthen your organization. They are great “friend-raisers.”
What Events Can Do for You
Let’s face it. There are many faster and easier ways to raise money. But fundraising events can lose money—or just break even—and still be successful because they generate publicity, visibility, and contacts for your organization.
Fundraisers also:
Provide cultural, social, and intergenerational opportunities for your community.
Improve community relations.
Lead to new partners.
Strengthen your relationship with business sponsors.
Recruit new volunteers and board members.
Allow you to recognize volunteers and supporters.
Inform the public about your services and impact.
Reach underserved or new target populations.
Fundraisers also can diversify and expand your funding base. They provide funds to address cutbacks, expand programming, and pilot test new services or new methods of delivering old services.
Fundraisers generate unrestricted dollars to cover “unsexy” expenditures like staff and volunteer education and training, overhead, research, and unexpected short-term emergency needs.
Because special events offer variety and flexibility, they’re also excellent for acquiring, retaining, and upgrading donors. If you’re serious about building a broad base of donors, you should conduct at least one special fundraising event each year.
Planning an Event
The good news is that you may not need to do more fundraisers—just better ones. Here are a few tips to help you plan your event successfully.
Determine your visibility quotient.
Of the people who should know about your organization, what percent actually do? This simple, but important question requires that you identify a list of key people and the best ways to reach and engage them in your fundraiser.
Market your impact while publicizing your event.
Too often, marketing and promotional materials talk about a nonprofit instead of its impact on the community or the values it embraces. Emphasize what your organization does and how it makes a difference—not how much money you need. If you don’t have public relations expertise in house, try contacting a firm that offers pro bono work.
Use volunteers to plan and implement the event.
Using volunteers tells people that you’re maximizing your efforts, which builds credibility. Also, peers asking peers is the most effective way to generate donations. People give to people—not just a cause. They also want to contribute to an effective organization.
Plan your events strategically.
Asking someone to volunteer for a short period is far easier than asking them to commit to a six-month campaign. Structure your fundraising events into modules that last 1-12 weeks. For example, have two short donor events each year—one to renew current donors and one to bring in new ones. Or conduct a five-week donor drive, with something happening each day. Mail personal letters from board members or key volunteers to invite their friends and colleagues to participate.
After an Event
What you do after a fundraising event is just as important—if not more important—than the planning itself. Follow-up with your guests, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and donors to turn your event into the start of something big. Start with these tips:
Send a personalized thank you.
You can never give out too much gratitude. Make it a priority to send supporters a timely, warm, and personalized letter or e-mail thanking them for their involvement. Tell them how much the event raised and how your organization will use the money. Include copies of any media coverage. Handwritten and hand-delivered thank you notes are a wonderful touch. Or make your thanks even more unique by hiring a local artist or asking a talented volunteer to create some form of recognition for volunteers and donors.
Welcome newcomers.
For guests who are new to your organization, add a combined welcome/follow-up letter. Include your newsletter, promotional materials, and past media coverage. Let them know about tours, educational and volunteer opportunities, and other events you’re planning.
Don’t forget the no-shows.
Remember people who were unable to attend the event but showed an interest, such as vendors or sponsors. Let them know what they missed and how successful the event was.
Give a report on your web site.
Post event photos, videos, and quotes; brag about how much you raised; and detail how the money will be spent. Ask visitors for their names and contact information if they want to be invited to the next event. Show people how they can continue to donate. If you have their permission, profile select donors.
Build up your sponsors.
List all corporate sponsors on your web site. Consider including links to their web sites, as well. Driving prospects to their site is a big plus for them.
Keep corporate relationships going.
After an event, maintain contact with your corporate sponsors. Host a workshop or brown bag lunch lecture at their workplace on topics of interest such as family caregiving or estate planning.
Follow up with media.
Send photos and a press release to your media list soon after the event. See if you can get on local radio or TV to talk about an event-related special interest story or about the impact the event had on your community. Use it as an opportunity to position you, or your executive director, as a “go-to” authority for information on your area of expertise. Consider hosting a thank you lunch for media who publicized or attended your event.
Thank advertisers.
If you have a journal or ad book associated with your event, send a copy to every advertiser who couldn’t attend, along with a thank you note. Better yet, get a group of volunteers to hand-deliver the ad book to thank supporters in person.
Fundraising events allow people to become involved with your organization and your mission. The more ways people can get involved, the stronger your organization will become.
And before you know it, fundraising events will become a “want-to” not a “have-to” on your to-do list. That’s when you start to put the fun into fundraising.
Leah Dobkin is a freelance writer and consultant with more than 30 years experience developing and managing innovative programs for older adults.
By Leah Dobkin
If you’re like most nonprofit professionals in the field of aging, fundraisers are your least favorite activity. They fall way down on your “have-to” list.
But studies indicate that almost half of nonprofit organizations use fundraisers as a major source of revenue.
Fundraising events are not just about raising dollars. They’re also about raising supporters to strengthen your organization. They are great “friend-raisers.”
What Events Can Do for You
Let’s face it. There are many faster and easier ways to raise money. But fundraising events can lose money—or just break even—and still be successful because they generate publicity, visibility, and contacts for your organization.
Fundraisers also:
Provide cultural, social, and intergenerational opportunities for your community.
Improve community relations.
Lead to new partners.
Strengthen your relationship with business sponsors.
Recruit new volunteers and board members.
Allow you to recognize volunteers and supporters.
Inform the public about your services and impact.
Reach underserved or new target populations.
Fundraisers also can diversify and expand your funding base. They provide funds to address cutbacks, expand programming, and pilot test new services or new methods of delivering old services.
Fundraisers generate unrestricted dollars to cover “unsexy” expenditures like staff and volunteer education and training, overhead, research, and unexpected short-term emergency needs.
Because special events offer variety and flexibility, they’re also excellent for acquiring, retaining, and upgrading donors. If you’re serious about building a broad base of donors, you should conduct at least one special fundraising event each year.
Planning an Event
The good news is that you may not need to do more fundraisers—just better ones. Here are a few tips to help you plan your event successfully.
Determine your visibility quotient.
Of the people who should know about your organization, what percent actually do? This simple, but important question requires that you identify a list of key people and the best ways to reach and engage them in your fundraiser.
Market your impact while publicizing your event.
Too often, marketing and promotional materials talk about a nonprofit instead of its impact on the community or the values it embraces. Emphasize what your organization does and how it makes a difference—not how much money you need. If you don’t have public relations expertise in house, try contacting a firm that offers pro bono work.
Use volunteers to plan and implement the event.
Using volunteers tells people that you’re maximizing your efforts, which builds credibility. Also, peers asking peers is the most effective way to generate donations. People give to people—not just a cause. They also want to contribute to an effective organization.
Plan your events strategically.
Asking someone to volunteer for a short period is far easier than asking them to commit to a six-month campaign. Structure your fundraising events into modules that last 1-12 weeks. For example, have two short donor events each year—one to renew current donors and one to bring in new ones. Or conduct a five-week donor drive, with something happening each day. Mail personal letters from board members or key volunteers to invite their friends and colleagues to participate.
After an Event
What you do after a fundraising event is just as important—if not more important—than the planning itself. Follow-up with your guests, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and donors to turn your event into the start of something big. Start with these tips:
Send a personalized thank you.
You can never give out too much gratitude. Make it a priority to send supporters a timely, warm, and personalized letter or e-mail thanking them for their involvement. Tell them how much the event raised and how your organization will use the money. Include copies of any media coverage. Handwritten and hand-delivered thank you notes are a wonderful touch. Or make your thanks even more unique by hiring a local artist or asking a talented volunteer to create some form of recognition for volunteers and donors.
Welcome newcomers.
For guests who are new to your organization, add a combined welcome/follow-up letter. Include your newsletter, promotional materials, and past media coverage. Let them know about tours, educational and volunteer opportunities, and other events you’re planning.
Don’t forget the no-shows.
Remember people who were unable to attend the event but showed an interest, such as vendors or sponsors. Let them know what they missed and how successful the event was.
Give a report on your web site.
Post event photos, videos, and quotes; brag about how much you raised; and detail how the money will be spent. Ask visitors for their names and contact information if they want to be invited to the next event. Show people how they can continue to donate. If you have their permission, profile select donors.
Build up your sponsors.
List all corporate sponsors on your web site. Consider including links to their web sites, as well. Driving prospects to their site is a big plus for them.
Keep corporate relationships going.
After an event, maintain contact with your corporate sponsors. Host a workshop or brown bag lunch lecture at their workplace on topics of interest such as family caregiving or estate planning.
Follow up with media.
Send photos and a press release to your media list soon after the event. See if you can get on local radio or TV to talk about an event-related special interest story or about the impact the event had on your community. Use it as an opportunity to position you, or your executive director, as a “go-to” authority for information on your area of expertise. Consider hosting a thank you lunch for media who publicized or attended your event.
Thank advertisers.
If you have a journal or ad book associated with your event, send a copy to every advertiser who couldn’t attend, along with a thank you note. Better yet, get a group of volunteers to hand-deliver the ad book to thank supporters in person.
Fundraising events allow people to become involved with your organization and your mission. The more ways people can get involved, the stronger your organization will become.
And before you know it, fundraising events will become a “want-to” not a “have-to” on your to-do list. That’s when you start to put the fun into fundraising.
Leah Dobkin is a freelance writer and consultant with more than 30 years experience developing and managing innovative programs for older adults.
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