Successful Lifespan Respite programs build public awareness and encourage family caregivers and others to action on behalf of respite. But before you book that billboard space, write that pharmacy bag ad, or record your radio PSA, it’s important to be clear on who you want to reach, what you want them to do, and why they might not already be doing it. Alicia Blater, the North Carolina Lifespan Respite Project Director, who worked for 10+ years in public relations and marketing, will walk us through the basics to prepare us to be more successful at implementing the subtleties of messaging and marketing. Alicia will talk about the benefits and barriers our target audiences may be experiencing as they see and hear messages about caregiver services, and present one possible approach to help you develop your own messages. This is especially critical for respite, which is already encumbered by misunderstandings and limited exposure among family caregivers, professionals and the public. This webinar will be most useful for Lifespan Respite Grantees and their partners.

Alicia Blater, M.S., APR
Family Caregiver Support Program Consultant
Lifespan Respite Project Director
NC Division of Aging and Adult Services
2101 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699

Alicia Blater earned a bachelors degree in public relations from Brigham Young University and worked for ten years in media and healthcare communications in and around Salt Lake City, Utah. She is accredited in public relations from the Public Relations Society of America and credits those years spent in home care, hospice, and hospital services as positive training ground for her eventual transition to aging services. Alicia has a post-baccalaureate certificate in non-profit management and a masters degree in gerontology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her earlier positions have garnered her local, state, and national awards for her efforts to increase vaccination rates and emergency preparedness action among older adults. She is currently employed by the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services as the project director for the NC Lifespan Respite Project and the state consultant for the Family Caregiver Support Program.

Download PPT Slides: Marketing Respite to Family Caregivers: Moving Beyond Awareness.

Behavioral Framework for Developing Marketing Messages, click here. Developed by the NC Lifespan Respite Project.

ARCH Public Awareness Guidebook: 24-page guidebook for crisis nurseries and respite care programs on strategies for increasing public awareness of the availability of services through press releases, and media public service announcements. Sample press releases, telephone contacts, and more; $5.00. Order online.

ARCH Video: Respite: A World of Relief: Family love and care is essential for human survival. Even the strongest love can be stretched to the breaking point when a family must provide for year-round, 24-hour care for a loved one. Through interviews with family members and program staff, this new video offers the viewer an intimate look at the needs of families for support services, particularly respite care. The 15-minute video is intended to draw attention to, and educate the public and policy makers about, the needs of families for support services, and to promote the concept and benefits of respite care for families and for the community at large. VHS or DVD, $25 plus $6 shipping. Click here for sample, 1-minute clip.

Order online.