YANA-CCC
You Are Not Alone - CORPORATE CONCIERGE CAREGIVING
EPISODE #1 WELCOME to the WORLD of FAMILY CAREGIVING
Discussion Guide: "You Are Not Alone (1 of 8): Introduction to the World of Family Caregiving"
This discussion guide is designed to support viewers of the video “You Are Not Alone (1 of 8): “An Introduction to the World of Family Caregiving” from GJPI INC. (Greg Johnson Partnerships International, Inc). The video, part of an eight-part series hosted by Greg Johnson, (your personal caregiver mentor, a noted and honored expert in the world of Caregiving) introduces the essential role of family caregivers—often referred to as the “silent patient”—and highlights the challenges and importance of their work. It features practical advice from experts to help caregivers navigate their responsibilities while maintaining their own well-being.
The guide is structured for use in group settings (e.g., support groups, workshops, or family discussions) or for individual reflection. It includes pre-viewing activities to build context, key points to watch for, post-viewing discussion questions, and extension resources. Aim for 30-60 minutes of discussion time after the 20-minute video.
Objectives
• Understand the role and challenges of family caregivers.
• Recognize caregivers as “silent patients” who may neglect their own health.
• Explore personal connections to caregiving and identify support needs.
• Encourage empathy and proactive planning for caregiving journeys.
Pre-Viewing Activities (10-15 minutes)
These questions help participants activate prior knowledge and set expectations for the video.
1. Personal Reflection: Have you ever provided care for a family member, friend, or neighbor? If so, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced? If not, what do you imagine might be difficult about being a caregiver?
2. Group Share: In pairs or small groups, discuss what comes to mind when you hear the term “family caregiver.” Who qualifies as one? Share examples from your life or observations.
3. Quick Stats Awareness:
o Nearly 63 million Americans serve as unpaid family caregivers.
o Caregivers spend an average of 20 hours per week on tasks like shopping, grooming, meal prep, and medical support.
o One-third of caregivers report their own health as fair to poor, with increased risks of depression and illness.
Key Points to Watch For
While viewing the video, encourage participants to note:
• The definition of a family caregiver and why they are called the “silent patient.”
• The growing demand for caregiving is due to factors like aging populations, shorter hospital stays, and longer life expectancies.
• Insights from Greg Johnson on the physical, emotional, and economic challenges caregivers face.
Post-Viewing Discussion Questions (20-30 minutes)
Facilitate a group discussion or journaling session. Start with open-ended questions to encourage sharing, then move to deeper reflection.
Comprehension Questions
1. What does the video mean by referring to family caregivers as the “silent patient”? How does this concept resonate with you?
2. According to the video, what are some common responsibilities of family caregivers? Were any of these surprising?
2. According to the video, what are some common responsibilities of family caregivers? Were any of these surprising?
Reflection Questions
3. How might the challenges discussed (e.g., physical strain, emotional stress) impact a caregiver’s own life? Share an example from the video or personal experience.4. The video mentions the increasing need for caregivers due to societal changes like aging Baby Boomers. How do you see this playing out in your community or family?
3. How might the challenges discussed (e.g., physical strain, emotional stress) impact a caregiver’s own life? Share an example from the video or personal experience.4. The video mentions the increasing need for caregivers due to societal changes like aging Baby Boomers. How do you see this playing out in your community or family?
Application Questions
5. If you are a caregiver or know one, what one piece of advice from the introduction would you apply right away?
6. How can recognizing the “many faces of caregiving” (hinted at in the series overview) help reduce isolation? Discuss scenarios like long-distance caregiving or the “sandwich generation.”
6. How can recognizing the “many faces of caregiving” (hinted at in the series overview) help reduce isolation? Discuss scenarios like long-distance caregiving or the “sandwich generation.”
Extension Questions
7. What support systems (e.g., professional groups, spiritual guidance) do you think are essential for caregivers? How might this video series help build those?
Activities and Extensions
• Role-Playing Exercise: In small groups, role-play a conversation between a new caregiver and an experienced one, drawing from the video’s introduction. Discuss what advice you’d give based on the “silent patient” concept.
• Action Planning: Have participants create a personal “Caregiver Self-Care Plan” listing 3-5 steps to maintain physical, emotional, or spiritual health while caregiving.
• Series Preview: If time allows, review the titles of the other videos in the series (e.g., “Families of Origin, Families of Choice,” “Maintaining the Physical”). Which one are you most interested in watching next, and why?
• Series Preview: If time allows, review the titles of the other videos in the series (e.g., “Families of Origin, Families of Choice,” “Maintaining the Physical”). Which one are you most interested in watching next, and why?
Additional Resources
• EmblemHealth’s Care for the Family Caregiver Page: Visit https://www.
• National Resources:
o AARP Caregiving Resource Center: https://www.aarp.org/
o Family Caregiver Alliance: https://www.
o National Alliance for Caregiving: https://www.
This guide draws from the video’s description. Adapt it as needed for your group’s size and needs. If facilitating, remind participants that sharing is voluntary and resources are available for those feeling overwhelmed.