Web site seeks to make life easier for caregivers

BY ADAM RIBACK
Correspondent

VieBridge Connections has created a new way for caretakers of the chronically ill to interact with each other and gain new and important knowledge. The firm has built an interactive Internet Web site that supports caregivers, the chronically ill and the elderly by helping them to self-manage conditions, avoid the isolation caregivers experience and receive the most up-to-date disease management and wellness information.

VieBridge Connections is a program begun by VieBridge Inc., a private corporation. The program officially began on June 20 in Monmouth County, the first county in the nation to use the site.

Janet Corbally directs the VieBridge Connections program for the Monmouth County Office on Aging. She said the state of Delaware is expected to launch the program soon. She said the program provides education and tools that families need.

The VieBridge Connections Web site is a free source of information for residents of Monmouth County, which pays VieBridge for the use of the program.

"Caregivers spend a majority of their time doing research online," said Corbally.

The Web site is meant to give caregivers information they can rely on and that is current, while giving caregivers a way to communicate among themselves.

"Overall it is a tremendous support of these people [caregivers] so they can communicate and help their loved ones. It alleviates the isolation and connects them to family members. It's an invaluable program and we're so excited," Corbally said, noting that the majority of caregivers are family members of the ill person.

The idea for launching a Web site such as this one came about almost five years ago.

"A lot of time and energy went into making the site, and people will be surprised when they see it," said Corbally.

Monmouth County even helped to develop the site that Corbally described as a "national initiative of communities coming together to make one portal to help people."

The Office on Aging first considered using the program because of the growing senior population and the constant challenges with health care.

"Recognizing these problems, we needed to start being proactive and visionary because in the future there won't be enough caregivers for all of the people in need," said Corbally. "We are trying to bring everyone together and we've had an amazing response."

Kristen Bedford, of Eatontown, 23, has been caring for her mother, Jo-Ann, for seven years. Her mother has been diagnosed with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and obesity and often has other health-related problems. Bedford used a previous version of the Web site created by Telecare Connections, which is associated with VieBridge, for almost three years before recently switching to the updated VieBridge version.

Bedford heard about the program from a nurse practitioner and now she and her mother use it every day.

"I find it extremely helpful. It has so much information about diseases and health care. Whenever you need to look up something, it's right there. It's becoming a way of life," the young woman said. "We can e-mail other caregivers on everything from diseases to how to play games. My mother is a very lively woman. She didn't have any companions but now she's connected with friends and family. She even knows people from England that she plays games with."

VieBridge Connections offers users the ability to communicate with nursing care managers, dietitians, fitness coaches, therapists, social workers, pharmacists and physicians' offices. The network may also include the caregiver's or chronically ill person's financial adviser, attorney and clergy.

Monmouth County Freeholder Robert D. Clifton, liaison to the Office on Aging, said, "Meeting the needs of the growing numbers of people coping with chronic illnesses and aging issues is acknowledged to be one of the most pressing U.S. health care issues. Most people with chronic illnesses rely on informal caregivers such as family members to help them stay at home and manage their conditions."