THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CAREGIVER EDUCATION

The American Association for Caregiver Education (AACE) is a 501c. (3) organization founded in 1997, by professionals knowledgeable in every aspect of the caregiver experience. AACE’s purpose is the teaching and training of caregiver modalities to organizations and individuals involved with the well being of millions of family caregivers. Health Organization, Area Agencies on Aging, health care providers, disease-specific associations and individual trainers all benefit from the vast knowledge pool that AACE has assembled. 

AACE programs are designed to help organizations and individuals create independent support groups for caregivers. AACE provide seminars and workshops for lay persons and professionals and “train the trainer” courses for health care and social service organizations tasked with responding to caregivers and providing them support, but who have little knowledge of the specifics. 

Long-term and chronic illness caregiving is a social, financial, medical and family issue affecting every aspect of society. It is a major workplace and healthcare issue and represents a role and responsibility that almost every American will face at some time - often more than once. 

Health care providers and agencies have been remiss in developing the education and training programs that are necessary to teach caregivers how to care for themselves and their loved ones. According the National Family Caregivers Association 2001 Survey on Caregiver Self Identification, 70% of the Caregiver’s polled said, “I had to learn on my own how to seek information and help when I needed it.”

Learning on one’s own creates stress and confusion for the caregiver—and possible danger for the care receiver. These situations urgently need a response, both from a psycho/social and medical/healthcare education perspective. The real truth is that unsupported, long-term caregiver can easily succumb to multiple health and emotional consequences as can the entire family.

The question usually is “I am a family caregiver, what do I do for my loved one? The bigger question is, “Where does the caregiver go for help? 


Caregiving is complex, confusing and constantly changing, therefore no single answer solves all problems. Understanding the uniqueness of each situation precedes solutions. The AACE rationale is simple. “Listen to caregivers; Listen to their needs; respond with competent, practical training to those that caregivers rely on.” AACE believes that to provide the greatest good, one must train those who deal with many. 

How is this accomplished? The AACE answer is to share knowledge and understanding. With years of experience in dealing with every conceivable caregiver issue, AACE has developed efficient, effective training programs to provide the techniques and insight for competent, caregiver issue resolution. Now there is a capability to train those whom caregivers expect to have the answers. 

Enhance the value proposition of your organization; deepen your caregiving acumen; differentiate yourself with the capability to support clients facing the most challenging of family problems; and build a long-term trust relationship based on family values.