Before They Can Hear You: Emotional Triage for Caregivers in Crisis

When caregivers receive a life-altering medical diagnosis for their loved one, the experience can feel like being hit by a flash grenade—stunning them into a state of emotional and cognitive overload. In this session, we’ll explore why many caregivers are unable to absorb critical resources, no matter how valuable they are, and how patient access professionals, navigators, reimbursement specialists, and advocates can bridge this gap. Attendees will learn how to recognize when a caregiver is in survival mode, implement emotional triage strategies to build trust, and establish referral pathways to organizations like the Parent Empowerment Network to ensure caregivers receive the support they need. By prioritizing emotional readiness, advocates can improve long-term resource utilization and create a more effective, compassionate approach to patient and caregiver support.