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 February 2020…
Tuesday, February 4, 10:00-11:00am
“Planning for the Financial and Legal Aspects of Long-Term Care”
Program: While many older adults will remain hale and hearty into their 80s and beyond, 70 percent will need at least one form of long-term care during their lifetime. Planning ahead is the key to making good choices about long-term care and securing your financial future. Yet, all too often, folks wait until a crisis occurs to think about care, leaving themselves with limited, costly options.
Presenters: To be advised at time of presentation
Presented by: MIT Work/Life Center
Wednesday, February 5, 10:00-11:00am
“Medication Mismanagement”
Program: Many older adults take medications for various chronic conditions and other health issues. Research conducted by Home Instead, Inc., franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care network, indicates that as the number of prescription medications taken by a person (ages 70 or older) increases, so do challenges with medication management and potential health risks.
Pharmacist Kyle Decker of Simple Meds will join this web seminar as a guest speaker to share more about how medication mismanagement can jeopardize an older adult’s health and independence, and discuss tips for improving medication compliance. Register for this web seminar to discover solutions that could help older adults and their families to pinpoint potential threats and start conversations that can lead to effective medication management solutions.
Presenter: Lakelyn Hogan, gerontologist, caregiver advocate, Home Instead Senior Care
Kyle Decker,CEO, Simple Meds
Presented by: Home Instead Senior Care and the American Society on Aging
Thursday, February 6, 10:00-11:00am
“How You Say It: Making Matters Worse (or Better) by How You Communicate”
Program: Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias cause changes in a person’s ability to communicate. Understanding these challenges and adjusting our communication patterns can make all the difference in the world for both caregivers and those with dementia. This webinar will share some simple rules of thumb to communicate more effectively, both verbally and non-verbally.
Presenter: Elizabeth Rhodus PhD, Gerontologist
Presented by: Alzheimer’s Association
Tuesday, February 11, 11:30am-12:30pm
“A Look at Senior Care Options”
Program: Explore options available to older adults on various levels of care and the financial costs associated with them. The types of care discussed include in-home care, adult day care, residential care and skilled nursing. Learn about the costs of these senior care options and what is covered by Medicare or Medi-Cal.
Presenter: Nikki Barrett, LCSW, Social Work Supervisor, Alzheimer’s Orange County
Presented by: Alzheimer’s Orange County
Wednesday, February 12, 9:00-10:00am
“Five Important Questions to Answer When Paying for the Care You or Your Loved One May Need”
Program: Get the answers that are right for your family. Learn how to use your resources wisely and avoid common money mistakes caregivers make.
Presenter: Thomas West, AIF, Signature Estate & Investment Advisors
Presented by: Fairfax County Caregiver Support Programs-Older Adults
Wednesday, February 12, 1:00-2:00pm
“Occupational Therapy and Social Work: Offering Community-Based Approaches to Support People Living with Dementia and their Caregivers”
Program: This webinar will discuss the beneficial role of occupational therapy and social work for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Evidence-based/informed occupational therapy interventions being implemented through LiveWell’s ACL-ADPI project for people living alone with dementia, for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and dementia, and for those with distressing behaviors will be discussed. Recommendations on ways to help clients receive appropriate occupational therapy services will be shared. In addition, community-based approaches utilizing social workers to serve people living with dementia and their caregivers will be discussed. Topics will include examples from an urban nonprofit organization, as well considerations, recommendations, and benefits for integrating social work practices.
Presenters: Jane Gruner, MFT, and Stephani Shivers, OT, COO Community Services, LiveWell
Presented by: National Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center, sponsored by the Administration for Community Living
Thursday, February 13, 10:00-11:00am
“Taking Action: Assisting Victims of Financial Fraud”
Program: Millions of Americans become victims of financial crimes every year. This training will walk you through the accessible, victim-centered approaches at the heart of the updated Taking Action: An Advocate’s Guide to Assisting Victims of Financial Fraud. Learn step-by-step strategies for addressing four major types of financial crime: Identity Theft, Investment Fraud, Mortgage and Lending Fraud, and Mass Marketing Scams. Attendees will receive a foundational background on these four major fraud types, and will learn about their role as advocates when they encounter victims dealing with financial crime.
Presenters: Susan Arthur, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Investor Education Foundation, where she manages the Investor Protection Campaign
Laura Cook, Director of Training & Technical Assistance at the National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC)
Presented by: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
Wednesday, February 19, 10:00-11:00am
“Bridging the Family Communication Gap”
Program: Fewer than half of family caregivers have made plans for the care of their loved ones, and significantly fewer have made these plans for themselves. The care of an aging loved one should be a strategic decision and not one made on the fly. This session will focus on providing participants with strategies and resources to facilitate productive care conversations between adult children and their aging loved ones. Attendees also will learn tactics to manage family dynamics that may hinder fruitful conversations.
Presenter: Eboni I. Green, RN, Family Caregiver
Presented by: American Society on Aging and Right at Home
Thursday, February 20, 10:00-11:15am
“Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia”
Program: Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. Join us to learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s; the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia; stages and risk factors; current research and treatments available for some symptoms; and Alzheimer’s Association resources.
Presenter: Moriah Perry, Alzheimer’s Association Community Educator
Presented by: Alzheimer’s Association
Thursday, February 20, 10:00-11:00am
“Moving from ‘Why Me?’ to ‘What’s Next?’”
Program: After receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, it can be challenging for some individuals to move away from denial to living a life filled with hope. Learning how to process the emotions and challenges that accompany dementia can help those living with the disease, caregivers, and family members navigate the disease more positively. Join us as artist Cynthia shares her personal experience of what it’s like to live with Alzheimer’s. She will share how she expresses her emotions and struggles through art and her book, “UnMasking Alzheimer’s.” We will take live questions during the chat, or feel free to send them in ahead of time to livechat@homeinstead.com
Presenters: Lakelyn Hogan, gerontologist, caregiver advocate, Home Instead Senior Care and Cynthia Huling Hummel, artist, person with Alzheimer’s
Presented by: Help for Alzheimer’s Families
Wednesday, February 25, 9:00-9:30am
“Caregiver SOS: Resources for Caregivers”
Program: What do you do as a caregiver when you feel like you are just treading water? There are resources available that are tailor-made to your situation, but you must know about them. This 30-minute webinar will feature a presentation of some of the best ways you can get help quickly.
Presenter: BriAnn Hill, Community Outreach Coordinator, Alzheimer’s Association.
Presented by: Alzheimer’s Association