Many caregivers cannot leave home due to caregiving responsibilities. You can participate in a web-based seminar — or webinar — from the privacy of your home. Join either live or view the archived version within a few day of the live webinar (in most cases). All webinars listed are free. All times shown are Pacific Time. Here are webinars that may be of interest to caregivers in December 2019…
Tuesday, December 3, 10:00-11:00am
“Effective Communication Strategies”
Program: Communication is more than just talking and listening – it’s also about sending and receiving messages through attitude, tone of voice, facial expressions and body language. As people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias progress in their journey and the ability to use words is lost, families need new ways to connect. Join us to explore how communication takes place when someone has Alzheimer’s, learn to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia, and identify strategies to help you connect and communicate at each stage of the disease.
Presenter: Sarah Rowe, BS, Alzheimer’s Association Community Educator
Presented by: Alzheimer’s Association
Tuesday, December 3, 11:00am-12:00pm
“The Art of Managing Anxiety and Worry”
Program: Many of us experience some fear and anxiety as normal, and even critical, in times of danger. The ‘what-ifs’ of worrisome thoughts also have the potential to reduce the quality of our life. If unchecked, they can become overwhelming. Is it time to consider the role of anxiety and worry in your life? This session starts with some basic education about how fear is processed in our brain. We will then discuss several brain-based strategies to help observe, assess and manage anxious thoughts. We will also present some potential problem-solving skills that can support healthy emotions and behaviors. Our overall aim is to better understand and reduce discomfort related to anxiety and worry.
Presenter: To be advised at time of presentation
Presented by: The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
Wednesday, December 4, 10:00-11:00am
“Mental and Behavioral Health and Aging”
Program: Often caregivers assume that mental health issues such as depression are a normal part of aging. That assumption is wrong. However, there are as many as 8.4 million family caregivers in the U.S. supporting those living with emotional or mental health conditions (2016 On Pins & Needles: Caregivers of Adults with Mental Illness Study). These caregivers face unique challenges that can cause a heavier burden of care and higher stress levels than that experienced by a typical family caregiver. This month’s web seminar will overview mental health caregiving and a new resource for family caregivers called “Circle of Care” that was developed by the National Alliance for Caregiving, in partnership with National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Presenter: Lakelyn Hogan, gerontologist, caregiver advocate, Home Instead Senior Care and C. Grace Whiting, JD, CEO, National Alliance for Caregiving
Presented by: Home Instead Senior Care and the American Society on Aging
Tuesday, December 10, 11:00am-12:00pm
“Diminishing Stress During the Holidays”
Program: Family traditions, hosting get-togethers, cooking large meals, shopping for gifts and out of town guests accompany the holiday season. Add that to the top of a family caregiver’s daily routine and this time of year can bring on additional stress for family caregivers and those living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Join Home Instead Senior Care’s gerontologists, Lakelyn Hogan and Molly Carpenter for a tip-filled conversation about caring for your loved one (and yourself) throughout the holiday season.
Presenters: Lakelyn Hogan and Molly Carpenter, gerontologists, Home Instead Senior Care
Presented by: Help for Alzheimer’s Families
Thursday, December 12, 10:00-11:00am
“Oral Health and Dementia”
Program: Researchers at the University of Bergen have discovered a clear connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies show that gum disease (gingivitis) plays a decisive role in whether a person develops Alzheimer´s or not. Our speaker will explain what to look for and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones. Dr. Noble takes a comprehensive approach to care and views the patient within the entire family dynamic.
Presenter: James M. Noble, MD, MS, Columbia University Medical Center, Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence. Dr. Noble is also the president of Arts & Minds, a non-profit organization promoting well-being for dementia patients and their caregivers via art-centered experiences.
Presented by: PSS
Thursday, December 12, 10:00-11:00am
“Frontotemporal Degeneration: A Complex Disease with Complex Care Needs”
Program: This webinar will address the unique challenges of frontotemporal degeneration (FTD), the most common form of dementia in people under age 60. It will identify signs and symptoms of the three main clinical presentations of FTD and current movement in research. The presentation will explore the need for specialized education and support, as FTD has a greater impact on work, interpersonal relationships and the economic burden faced by families.
Presenter: Sharon Denny, MA, senior director of programs, Association for Frontotemporal Dementia (AFTD)
Presented by: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
Thursday, December 12, 11:00am-12:00pm
“Mental health and self-care for caregivers”
Program: Self-care is so important to our physical and mental health. We know this. We may even be good at thinking about it. Yet, so many factors inadvertently sabotage our self-care plans and attempts. Have you ever considered there may be something deeper at the root? This session will consider aspects of good mental health and explore ways that behavioral patterns we learned growing up influence our self-care success. We’ll discuss techniques to shift these patterns and encourage the flow of healthier habits.
Presenters: To be advised at time of webinar
Presented by: The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
Tuesday, December 17, 10:00-11:00am
“Caring from Afar: Tips for Long Distance Caregiving”
Program: If you provide care for someone who lives at least an hour away, you are a long distance caregiver. This type of caregiving can present an array of challenges that may include recognizing when a person needs extra help, and knowing what kind of care is available and where to find it. Learn from an expert geriatric care manager, Esther Hurlburt, about how you can create a plan of action and be ready for the challenges to come.
Presenter: Esther Hurlburt, RN, ordained minister
Presented by: Alzheimer’s Association