Caregiver Connect Email Group

Caregiver Connect Email Group Guidelines

1. Purpose

The Caregiver Connect Email Group provides a space for family caregivers to communicate with one another independently of in-person programs. It is designed to support information-sharing, problem-solving, and mutual encouragement.

2. Enrollment and Participation

Participants must opt in via a consent form and may opt out at any time.

3. Eligibility

To participate, caregivers must complete a Caregiver Screener and update it every six months. To access this screener, please contact Devin Andrews via email at dandrews@oakparktownship.org. 

4. Appropriate Use

This group is for discussing topics directly related to family caregiving—such as diagnoses, symptoms, behavioral challenges, finances, resources, and practical caregiving issues. Non-related advertising, promotions, or political/activism campaigns are not permitted.

5. Confidentiality

Confidentiality is essential. Information shared within the group must remain within the group. The only exception is if someone’s safety is at risk. In such cases, CRC staff, as mandated reporters, must notify the appropriate local authorities.

6. Respectful Communication

This group is intended to be a safe and supportive environment for all caregivers. Respectful disagreement and constructive dialogue are welcome. However, personal attacks, character judgments, harassment, foul language, or name-calling will not be tolerated.

7. Privacy Protection

To protect the privacy of caregivers and their care recipients, sharing personal or identifying information in the group is discouraged. If two caregivers need to communicate privately, please coordinate through CRC staff.

Additional Guidelines and Important Information

8. Moderator Role

CRC staff will monitor group discussions to support safety, ensure adherence to guidelines, and provide clarification of resources as needed. Moderation is not continuous or real-time.

9. Email Etiquette

To keep communication clear and helpful, participants are encouraged to:

• Use descriptive subject lines.

• Keep messages focused on caregiving topics.

• Avoid excessive forwarding or mass-sharing of unrelated content.

• Be mindful of tone, as email communication can sometimes be misinterpreted.

10. Crisis and Emergency Protocol

This email group is not monitored 24/7 and is not intended for crisis support. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or local emergency services.

11. Technology and Privacy Disclaimer

Email is not a fully secure communication platform. Participants should use discretion when sharing sensitive information and be aware that messages may remain in personal inboxes even if deleted from the group archive.