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 March 2020.
Tuesday, March 3, 11:00am-12:15pm
“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: Ruth Reko, Alzheimer’s Association Community Educator
Presented by: Alzheimer’s Association
Wednesday, March 4, 10:00-11:00am
“Supporting Military Caregivers”
Program: More than 5.5 million spouses, parents and friends are caring for wounded, ill or injured U.S. service members and veterans at home. This caregiving role takes a significant toll and often leads to increased levels of depression, physical ailments, isolation, family strain and financial and legal challenges. Far too often, these caregivers aren’t made aware of the support and resources available to them. A representative from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation will join as a guest speaker on this web seminar to detail the organization’s mission and resources they provide to military and veteran caregivers. One important resource is the Military and Veteran Caregiver Experience Map, which charts key moments along the journey and how these moments can affect caregivers’ physical, psychological, financial and social well-being.
Presenters: Lakelyn Hogan, MS, MBA, gerontologist, caregiver advocate, Home Instead Senior Care
Rashi Venkataraman Romanoff, VP, Programs and Partnerships, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
Presented by: Home Instead Senior Care and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation
Wednesday, March 11, 9:00-10:00am
“Nutrition for Healthy Aging – Considerations for Caregivers”
Program: Our nutrition needs change as we get older. Learn about nutrient requirements for older adults, healthy meal planning, and how to help your loved ones receive the nutrition they need for healthy aging.
Presenter: Maria Loh, RDN, LDN, Congregate Nutrition & Transportation Program Coordinator, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging
Presented by: Fairfax County Caregiver Support Programs-Older Adults
Wednesday, March 11, 10:00-11:00am
“Mindfulness for Carepartners”
Program: This webinar focuses on mindfulness as a coping tool for life, to navigate the many stressors brought on by the caring role, including isolation, lack of leisure time, and the progression of your loved one’s disease. Tricia will introduce mindful practices and resources, as well as guide a short group meditation.
Presenter: Tricia Wallace, Clinical Counselor, Parkinson Society British Columbia
Presented by: Parkinson Society British Columbia
Register (registration closes March 5)
Thursday, March 12, 10:00-11:00am
“Caregiver Wellness: Empowering you to Prevent Burnout”
Program: Stress in and of itself is not bad. Contrary to popular opinion, stress is needed to function properly. It provides encouragement and the drive to accomplish what you set out to do in life. However, when stress becomes a way of life, you can easily become distressed. As a caregiver you may find that you are faced with challenging interpersonal relationships with the care team, clients, family and friends. When you are distressed, even close and supportive care teams can experience increased tension. Left unresolved these stressors can result in illness and lead to burnout.
Presenter: To be advised at time of webcast
Presented by: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
Thursday, March 12, 12:00-1:00pm
“What is Lewy body dementia and how is it treated?”
Program: Learn about Lewy body diagnosis and treatment options from an expert in the field.
Presenter: William Mantyh, MD
Presented by: The UCSF Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences; Administration for Community Living
Tuesday, March 17, 9:00-10:00am
“10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s”
Program: Alzheimer’s and other dementias cause changes in memory, thinking and behavior that interfere with daily life. Join us to learn about 10 common warning signs and what to watch for in yourself and others. The one-hour webinar will cover typical age-related changes, common warning signs of Alzheimer’s, how to approach someone about memory concerns, early detection, the benefits of a diagnosis and the diagnostic process and Alzheimer’s Association resources.
Presenter: Rose Pagonis, Alzheimer’s Association Community Educator
Presented by: Alzheimer’s Association
Thursday, March 19, 12:00-1:00pm
“Behavior and mood symptoms in Lewy body dementia”
Program: Learn about important Lewy body dementia behavior and mood symptoms from an expert in the field.
Presenter: Jennifer Merrilees, RN, PhD
Presented by: The UCSF Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Administration for Community Living
Wednesday, March 25, 10:00-11:00am
“Ambiguous Loss and Anticipatory Grief”
Program: Ambiguous loss is a type of loss that is unclear or without closure, and anticipatory grief is the feeling that one may experience when expecting a loss or change. As Parkinson’s progresses, many carepartners and caregivers find themselves experiencing these kinds of loss and grief, and feeling isolated as a result. Although difficult, discussing these topics is important for anyone in a caring role.
Presenter: Trevor Josephson, Clinical Manager at Peace Arch Hospice Society
Presented by: Parkinson Society British Columbia
Register (registration closes March 19)
Wednesday, March 25, 11:00am-12:00pm
“Estate Planning 101 for California Property Owners”
Program: Passing on your home starts with a plan. Housing and Economic Rights Advoccates (HERA) will explain what an estate plan is and how it can help you and your loved ones during your lifetime as well as after your death. The workshop will cover key documents of estate planning, which include living trust, will, financial power of attorney, and health care directive. At the Assessor’s Office, we understand that planning for a secure financial future is a top priority for families across our state. For many Californians, your home can be your biggest asset, but laws around inheriting properties can be complicated. In this workshop, the Assessor’s Office will help you to understand CA’s laws around property taxation and provide information on how your family may be able to access tax savings when transferring property from one generation to the next.
Presenter: Aeyoung Kim, Staff Attorney, HERA
Presented by: Family Caregiver Alliance, the San Francisco Assessor’s Office, and HERA
Wednesday, March 25, 12:00-1:00pm
“Talking to Your Doctor About Dementia”
Program: Visiting the doctor can be intimidating and even frightening when you are concerned about Alzheimer’s. This is true for an initial diagnosis and for follow-up visits. Join us as we learn from a neurologist about the process of diagnosing Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and how you can effectively partner with your doctor as you navigate these tricky waters.
Presenter: Darren Gitleman, MD, Board Certified Neurologist
Presented by: Alzheimer’s Association