Caregiving needs may change after a person returns home and begins living in the community. Our Community Connect program adds to the education provided during inpatient rehabilitation by offering practical, personalized guidance for everyday life. The program offers:
- Online education and support anywhere in the U.S.
- In-home training for New Jersey residents, when needed
- Flexible scheduling
- Payment for caregivers who complete hands-on training
- Help with dependent care costs, when needed
SCI Caregiver Peer Mentorship Program
Whether you are new to caregiving or have years of experience, trained peer mentors offer guidance, encouragement, and real-world strategies to help you feel more confident in your role. Mentors can help caregivers:
- Manage day-to-day caregiving responsibilities
- Find local, state, and national resources
- Learn practical strategies for common challenges
- Build confidence and caregiving skills
- Connect with others who understand SCI caregiving
Caregivers can turn to Community Connect or the SCI Peer Mentorship programs for guidance with daily routines, equipment, health concerns, and living situations. Services are available regardless of when the SCI occurred, ensuring there is help available as their needs change.
Caregivers needs are just as important and deserving of recognition, assistance, and care. Our Community Connect and Peer Mentorship programs give caregivers a place to ask questions, build skills, and gain confidence. We are here to help.
Learn Practical Skills for Everyday Care
Experienced healthcare professionals who specialize in spinal cord injury provide education and training based on each participant’s questions and goals. Topics may include:
- Transfers and bed mobility
- Skin care
- Bowel and bladder management
- Respiratory care
- Wheelchairs and other equipment
- Home navigation and accessibility
- And much more!
- Family members, partners, friends, or other loved ones who care for a person with spinal cord injury
- People with spinal cord injury who want additional education and support
- Hired personal care assistants
- Anyone seeking more training and confidence in spinal cord injury caregiving
Contact Us for More Information
You may connect with our programs regardless of when the spinal cord injury occurred for guidance as caregiving needs change over time.
For Community Connect, email [email protected]
For SCI Caregiver Peer Mentorship, email [email protected]
FAQs About Community Connect and SCI Caregiver Peer Mentorship Programs
Community Connect is a free Kessler Foundation program that provides education, skills training, and support for people with spinal cord injury and their caregivers.
Whether you are new to caregiving or have years of experience, trained peer mentors offer guidance, encouragement, and real-world strategies to help you feel more confident in your role.
The program supports family members, partners, friends, personal care assistants, and other people who care for someone with spinal cord injury. People with spinal cord injury may also participate.
No. Virtual education and support are available throughout the United States. In-home skills training may be available to New Jersey residents when appropriate.
No. Both programs are free. With Community Connect, caregivers may be compensated for their time during hands-on training, and reimbursement for dependent care may be available.
Kessler Foundation mentors can help SCI caregivers:
- Manage day-to-day caregiving responsibilities
- Find local, state, and national resources
- Learn practical strategies for common challenges
- Build confidence and caregiving skills
- Connect with others who understand SCI caregiving
Training may cover transfers, bed mobility, skin care, bowel and bladder management, respiratory care, wheelchairs and equipment, home accessibility, and other topics important to you.
A team of experienced healthcare professionals who specialize in spinal cord injury provides education and training. The team may include physical therapists, occupational therapists, and registered nurses.
Email us to ask questions or learn how to participate.
For Community Connect, email [email protected]
For SCI Peer Mentorship, email [email protected]
