1. How did CareCircle get started?




2. What is included when I buy a CareCircle program?



3. If I only have basic computer skills can I create a CareCircle program?



4. When is the right time to start a CareCircle program?



5. How do I pick a “Coach” (the manager of the program)?



6. What is CareCircle’s privacy policy? Do CareCircle programs meet HIPAA requirements?



7. What roles do volunteers take on in a CareCircle program?



8. How can I make sure that my CareCircle program will be successful?

CareCircle was founded by a family who had first-hand experience with catastrophic disease and the positive impact a support community can provide. When the founders saw what a difference a well-organized volunteer effort could make in the lives of the patient, the caregiver and the community at large, they promised themselves that they would find a way to recreate this type of support community for others. Return to Top

2. What is included when I buy a CareCircle program?

Each CareCircle comes with an easy-to-use website that can be up and running in just two or three minutes. This website includes elements that make it uniquely suited to helping a friend. Some of these elements are a Home Page where visitors can learn about the situation and any help that would be appreciated by the "Star" the program is designed to help, a Guest Book where friends and family can leave messages of love and encouragement without worrying whether it is a good time to call, customizable pages that can be added, edited, removed, or renamed to provide information on addressing the needs of the program's "Star," an interactive calendar where visitors can volunteer for activities like meal deliveries, rides, help around the home, etc., and a Photo Gallery for sharing uplifting photographic memories. Each CareCircle program also includes full user support for the life of the program, by phone and email. The programs are so easy to use, however, that very few of our users ever have questions for us. Return to Top

3. If I only have basic computer skills can I create a CareCircle program?

Don’t worry. We have designed the CareCircle experience to be clear, simple and easy. If you can use a mouse and a keyboard, you won’t have any problems using our Program Builder to put together a CareCircle program. Return to Top

4. When is the right time to start a CareCircle program?

For Medical diagnosis:
As soon as you find yourself or family member facing a medical challenge, pick a responsible friend and initiate a program. The program's website can immediately take on a communication role, so the individuals going through the diagnosis and treatment challenges can focus on the important work of getting well.

For a New Baby:
We recommend starting a new baby program at least three months before the due date. This gives time for friends to set up the program and use it to manage baby showers and publicize the baby gift registry. Once the baby arrives, the program's Web site will be a convenient place to share photos and news on the baby’s development, as well as organize help with meals and any other welcome support.

For Elder care:
If you are caring for an aging parent, you should start your CareCircle program before the crisis or the care needs become overwhelming. The communication features of the Web site will dramatically reduce the time you have to spend communicating with out-of-town friends and relatives. Return to Top

5. How do I pick a “Coach” (the manager of the program)?

A Coach is someone who is a close family member or friend, but usually not the patient or caregiver . A Coach should be comfortable working with people and be sensitive to the Star's needs and wants. The Coach can bring in a few other people to help them, but they are usually the primary contact with the Star. An exception is caregivers for an elder loved one, who often serve as the program’s Coach. Return to Top

6. What is CareCircle’s privacy policy? How do CareCircle programs support HIPAA requirements?

Although CareCircle is not a health care provider, our programs have been designed to provide a high level of privacy for those who may be hesitant to share health information online. Our privacy is provided in two ways: 1) An employer does not have access to an employee’s CareCircle program (unless invited to participate by the employee), and 2) users are able to limit participation by specifying a secure, password-protected Web site. Only those who have been given the password will be able to access the site. Return to Top

7. What roles do volunteers take on in a CareCircle program?

First, the person or family a program seeks to help is called the program’s “Star.” The Star doesn’t have to do anything except to authorize the program and approve what will be communicated to concerned friends (the Star can do more if they like). A program is first set up by a “Coach” (usually a friend or less immediate family member), who usually brings in a couple of others to share the effort (they’re called “Coordinators”). The Coach sets up the initial private Web site (this takes about ten minutes), and can add information as it becomes available. The Coach can immediately invite others to visit the site via an integrated email function, and visitors can learn more about the situation, and leave public messages of support. When it’s appropriate, Coordinators can identify specific activities that will help their friend, and site visitors can volunteer via the site’s interactive calendar. The program can be used for as long as it’s needed: a few weeks for recovery from an accident, or years if it addresses, say, a chronic health situation. Return to Top

8. How can I ensure that my CareCircle program will be successful?

Recruit volunteers with helping attitudes. Since most programs can be run with a core group of just two or three volunteers, be selective to insure you have the most committed group you can find.

Follow the "To-Do's." We've made the process of creating a CareCircle program easy to understand and follow. We provide simple, clear, and detailed To-Do's on the Start Page you see after logging in. They address every phase of your program. You can always start out on your own, of course, and just refer to the To-Do's when you have questions.

Anticipate the needs of your friend or loved one. For instance, after a disease diagnosis or accident, communication will be the program's focus. Soon enough, however, there may be a need for help with household chores, blood donations, or house sitting. By planning ahead, you can have the next phase of your support program ready before the need becomes critical.

Be flexible. Each program progresses differently, and changes are sure to occur along the way. The CareCircle Program Builder makes additions or changes simple to do, whether you want to add or change volunteers or Web site services. Return to Top