CareCircle was started 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. I have a medical condition. How do I know if I would benefit from a CareCircle program?

If you have received a diagnosis, you may already be experiencing disruption in your daily life. Doctor visits, evaluating treatment options, and assessing how your decisions will impact your loved ones affects your day-to-day life and the lives of those around you. If you are a caregiver, providing regular patient reports to family and friends can not only be overwhelming and exhausting, but can take away from the time and energy you need to care for the patient. In addition, you may be wondering how you will now meet the needs of your day-to-day life, as well as the additional financial expenses of medical treatment. If you've experienced some of these disruptions--or anticipate that you will-and you have a few close friends who want to help, you are a candidate for a CareCircle program. Return to Top

3. We are expecting a baby soon. How would we benefit from a CareCircle program?

A new baby is a time of great anticipation and joy, but it can also leaves new parents feeling overwhelmed. And even if this is not your first child, the needs of the new addition will have to be balanced with those of your existing family. Once your baby arrives, a friend may want to help you out by putting photos online or scheduling volunteer babysitting or meal deliveries. A CareCircle program can also give the community (friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers) access to your baby registry to minimize gift duplication. If you have a few close friends or relatives who want to help, and you would welcome some support for yourself and other family members, you are a candidate for a CareCircle program. Return to Top

4. How would a CareCircle program help me care for my parents while they're still living in their own home?

A CareCircle support program can provide tremendous security for those caring for aging adults by arranging rides to doctors, scheduling meal deliveries, having groceries delivered, or even arranging social visits with neighbors and friends. It can also be used to coordinate a variety of other existing community support resources. What’s more, a CareCircle program can be created and managed from a remote location, providing practical support and communication among long-distance friends and family. Perhaps most importantly, CareCircle support programs celebrate and showcase the great people they are and lives they lived, not just the challenges they may be experiencing. Return to Top

5. My brother with two young boys just lost his wife in a car accident. How would a bereavement CareCircle program help him?

Bereavement CareCircle programs can provide a place to share memories. The program can also help friends and family organize support for your brother and his children during the critical first few months of adjusting to their new situation. Return to Top

6. 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. Although a Web site is used, much of the volunteer effort takes place using the telephone or email. Return to Top

7. Who benefits from a CareCircle program?

8. 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. Your CareCircle program 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 other needed 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. Even if your “Star” is not an Internet user, guest book entries may be printed out so he or she knows a community of people are offering care and good wishes. Return to Top

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

A Coach is someone other than the patient or caregiver who is a close family member or friend. He or she should be comfortable working with people and be sensitive to your needs and wants. Your Coach will likely bring in a few other people to help them, but they will be your primary contact regarding the details of the CareCircle program. If you are the caregiver for an elder parent, you may also serve as the program’s Coach. Return to Top

10. How much does a CareCircle program cost?

To see the full range of our programs and their costs, click here. To email us with questions, click here.
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11. How do I decide the best length of time for my CareCircle program?

The shortest CareCircle program available is three months, which is the minimum amount of time recommended to set up and support a short-term disability.

Six-month programs are ideally suited for a new baby, someone who is out on longer term disability, or those caring for an elder following an illness or acute problem.

A one-year program may be appropriate for supporting an elder on an ongoing basis or for someone battling a chronic disease.
To return to purchasing a program click here.
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12. How do I extend the length of my CareCircle program?

You will be notified before the end of your CareCircle program. At that time, you will be given the option to select a renewal time period (three months, six months, and a year). If a longer renewal is desired, you may contact CareCircle for a special rate structure. Return to Top

13. How do I get my organization to provide me with a CareCircle program?

There are many ways to educate your organization about CareCircle support programs and why they should include them as part of their employee benefits package. We suggest that your organization's representative visit the For Employers section of this Web site. You may also have your organization's representative call our corporate offices at 914.741.6742 for information, or to schedule a meeting to discuss CareCircle programs. We would also be happy to contact your company representative directly. To send his or her contact information to us, click here.
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14. What is CareCircle’s privacy policy? How do CareCircle programs support HIPAA requirements?

Although CareCircle is not a health care provider, our programs have none the less been designed to provide a high level of privacy for employees 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), and 2) Employees or any individuals 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

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

16. How can I make sure 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 instructions. Our developers have made the process of creating a CareCircle program easy to understand and follow. We provide simple, clear, and detailed instructions during every phase of your program.

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 tasks, 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