February 15, 2024
Karen Klink has a story to tell. After a successful career as a stock trader, she became an active non-profit volunteer leader and then a caregiver for her aging mother. The exposure has given her experience with and insights into the long-term care system and the challenges caregivers often face in ensuring the best possible care and quality of life for their loved ones. She will share these—and more—with PALTC24 attendees next month during Sunday morning’s Anne-Marie Filkin Lecture in San Antonio, TX.
“My journey highlights the need for empathy and understanding toward both caregivers and residents,” Ms. Klink says. “It’s such an honor to be able to share my story with this audience. I may be preaching to the choir, but I think it’s important for AMDA members and others to hear the caregivers’ point of view. I hope to be inspiring and motivating.”
When Ms. Klink’s mom was diagnosed with dementia 10 years ago, her father became her primary caregiver. When he died, Ms. Klink took over that role; it was eye-opening, and she soon found herself taking on some daunting responsibilities. Among other things, she advocated for visitations when the pandemic started. “That became a major quest. Then I found many other areas of necessary reform,” she says. “I have a loud voice, and I’m not afraid to use it.” She became passionate about helping people understand the caregivers’ perspective and fostering empathy for these individuals.
Gaps in communication, collaboration, and transparency exist, Ms. Klink observes; these impact care and present challenges for caregivers. “A whole cultural transformation needs to happen,” she explains. “I think that providers and practitioners alike need better empathy with and understanding of what caregivers, families, and residents face. Toward this end, change needs to happen on all levels.”
The disconnections often start at admission, Ms. Klink suggests. When her mother moved into long-term care, she says, “We were told that we are part of the care team and that they were committed to person-centered care, but that’s not always true.” She found that her insights and input weren’t always recognized or appreciated.
Despite the ongoing need for reform and innovation, Ms. Klink observes that she is seeing some positive changes. “I think caregivers are recognized more now than they were five years ago. There is more support for them, more resources, and more organizations representing caregivers. This is a positive step,” she says.
Ms. Klink firmly believes in the importance of collaboration. She has worked with the California Association of Long Term Care Medicine (CALTCM), and she is honored and pleased to have a chance to speak at PALTC24. “This is a prestigious group that has the ability to make changes happen. I want the long-term care community to hear about some of the challenges caregivers have, and this is the perfect venue for that. People at the program will get a unique view from a caregiver and hear how I advocated and worked with legislators and other decision-makers to promote change,” she says. “I hope that people in the audience will go away with a better understanding of the importance of communication and collaboration.”
The Filkin Lecture is named after the late physician who was a passionate advocate for her patients and a leader in the New York state chapter. The lecture is designed to inspire, empower, and impassion meeting attendees.
Register for PALTC24 and read more about the program.