Volunteer Information Provider Program: A Strategy to Reach and Help Rural Family Caregivers

Abstract

A Volunteer Information Provider Program (VIPP) was demonstrated in five rural Missouri counties to help families deal with the strain of caregiving. Capitalizing on two major community-based organizations in rural areas, Cooperative Extension Services and Extension Homemaker Clubs, 63 volunteers shared information with over 1100 caregivers in a 14-month period. The VIPP was documented as a successful strategy in reaching and helping rural caregivers. Currently it is being replicated in 21 states.