Caregivers are not alone.

The Caregivers Matter app packages the wisdom of the Caregiver Program so that a wider caregiver audience has access to a simple but powerful tool set that can be used anywhere and anytime.

Debby Segil, LICSW, who has directed the Family Caregiver Support Program at Greater Lynn Senior Services (GLSS) for nearly 15 years, likes to quote former first lady Rosalynn Carter, who once said: "There are just four kinds of people in the world: Those who were caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers." Carter speaks to the growing population of seniors and people with disabilities who are living longer and need care for longer periods of time, many of whom rely on family members and friends to help them remain living independently.

The basic rules of survival for caregivers, the “do’s and don’ts” of good dementia care and communication, are easily forgotten in the heat of the moment or when patience hits a low point.  Caregivers often forget they need to relax, refocus, and regroup in order to build patience, perseverance, and peace.

The head of the Caregiver Program at GLSS wanted a better way for caregivers to remember these key practices. She thought that a rhyme or a poem that could jog the memory could help caregivers remember these important tenants. And, if it was set to music, a catchy tune that got stuck in your head – then it could become a learning tool for these caregivers, who could listen to it daily, the same way some individuals take their morning medicine.

Thus, the lynchpin of the app is a song to help you remember everything you need to get through your day. The app also offers activities that can be used "on the go" or at home, tips about why things should be done in a certain manner, and some pep talks.


Caregivers Matter brought to you by GLSS. GLSS is a 501(c)3 organization.

The Genesis of the App

  • A Poem

    2015

    The Caregivers' Ballad was originally a poem. It was written so that people could recite it daily to remind themselves of what is important to remember when they are caregiving.

  • A Song

    2016

    As more caregivers found the poem to be effective, we wanted to see how we could make it easier to remember. By turning the poem into a song, we realized that it could really help people.

  • An App

    2017

    As we realized how successfully the song had been integrated into caregivers' routines, we wanted a tool that could help caregivers even more and make it easier to remember everything they need for caring for their loved ones. The Caregivers Matter app provides support for caregivers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Where did the initial funding for the app come from?

Initial funding of the app came from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs in Massachusetts via an Ortho-McNeil grant and GLSS.

Which platforms does the app run on?

Currently the app is a web app that you can run in your browser with your computer, smartphone, or tablet. Click here to get to the WEB app!