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 August 2020…
Tuesday, August 4, 10:00-11:00am
“Choosing the Right Care Providers for Your Loved Ones”
Program: If you’re a family caregiver, you may be making decisions without enough information to get it right. For example, if your mother needs help at home, where do you go to find the best care? How can you hire a caregiver with the right skills and personal touch? Perhaps your father wants to downsize and move to a senior care community. How can you help him manage this life transition and find an appropriate setting? Researching care options can be time-consuming and confusing. In addition, one size does not fit all. It’s important to choose a care provider that best meets the needs of your loved one, knowing that those needs may change down the road.
Presenter: Care@Work Adult and Senior Care Advising
Presented by: MIT Work-Life Center
Tuesday, August 4, 11:00am-12:00pm
“In the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Why Elder Abuse Matters”
Program: The COVID-19 pandemic is causing much concern in the elder justice field. Between the restrictions being imposed on all of us to remain physically distant from our loved ones and vital community supports and the undetermined impact being felt by public support systems, we anticipate an upswing in cases and types of elder abuse going forward. Furthermore, we are likely to have to face this upswing in a landscape that will be significantly different than before the pandemic.
Presenters:
Julie Schoen, JD
Eden Ruiz-Lopez, MPA
Paul Greenwood, JD
Presented by: NCEA, Keck School of Medicine, USC
Tuesday, August 4, 11:30am-12:30pm
“Time Out for Care Partners-Mindfulness”
Program: The daily efforts of care, compassion, and support extended by carepartners/caregivers can lead to emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. Tricia Wallace, Registered Clinical Counsellor, will introduce mindfulness-based techniques that caregivers can use and cultivate every day. The goal of the session is to use mindfulness as a tool for stress reduction, relaxation, and resilience.
Presenters: Tricia Wallace, registered clinical counsellor, Parkinson Society British Columbia
Shelly Yu, neurophysioterapist
Presented by: Parkinson Society British Columbia
Wednesday, August 5, 8:00-9:00am
“Healthy Brain. Healthy Life”
Program: Gain insight into the best ways to reduce the risk of cognitive impairment as we age. Learn the steps to take to have a healthy brain and a healthy life by experiencing techniques designed to keep your brain happy and well.
Presenter: Roy Capps MPS, CDS, iCaregiver Educator Specialist for CARE NYC
Presented by: PSS
Wednesday, August 5, 10:00-11:00am
“Ethics of Working with Older Adults”
Program: It is important to recognize the ethical issues that could arise when working with older adults. There are multiple areas in which ethical issues can emerge, including complex family dynamics, addressing end-of-life wishes, preserving dignity and respect, promoting independence and keeping the individual safe. Various factors can make older adults vulnerable to abuse, neglect and ill intent. Learning about these factors can assist us in understanding how to reduce the risk of harm, how to advocate for the older adult and how to report issues to the proper authorities when necessary. Register for this web seminar to learn more about the ethical considerations when working with older adults and the resources available to help support professionals and family caregivers.
Presenter: Lakelyn Hogan, MS, MBA, gerontologist, caregiver advocate, Home Instead Senior Care
Presented by: Home Instead Senior Care
Wednesday, August 5, 1:00-2:00pm
“Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program: The Changing Landscape of VA Services and Improving Access Through Technology”
Program: This presentation will discuss the wide-ranging supportive and educational services available to veteran caregivers through the Veterans Affairs (VA) Caregiver Support Program (CSP). Eligibility for these services is also expanding as a result of legislation passed in 2018. This presentation also describes how VA is increasing access to CSP services via home-video telehealth to provide veteran-centric medical and mental health services.
Presenters: Rebecca Bixler, LISW, Caregiver Support Coordinator, Sioux Falls VA Medical Center;
Marren Grant, MSW, LCSW, CCM, Sr. Social Worker/Program Coordinator, Veterans Rural Health Resource Center- Western Region;
Christy Reynolds, LMSW, MSW, Program Coordinator, VA Caregiver Support Line, Canandaigua Veteran Affairs Medical Center;
Presented by: American Society on Aging and the Veterans Administration
Thursday, August 6, 11:00am-12:00pm
“Feet Forward”
Program: According to the CDC, “Falls are common and costly, especially among Americans age 65 and older. But falls are preventable and do not have to be an inevitable part of aging. Every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) suffers a fall in the U.S. — making falls the leading cause of injury and injury death in this age group. One out of four older adults will fall each year in the United States, making falls a public health concern, particularly among the aging population.” The pandemic just exacerbates this problem. This session will look at where we are with falls prevention and the state of falls in general with older adults. Beyond your normal falls issue discussion, we will raise the question how fall prevention begins with smart sensors and automation that could change your fear of falls to hope
Presenters: Ginna Baik, Senior Care Practice Leader for CDW Healthcare
David Inns, CEO GreatCall
Joseph T. Gwin, PhD , Head of the Best Buy Boston Health Technology Center.
Presented by: CDW Healthcare, Best Buy Health, greatcall
Thursday, August 6, 1:00-2:00pm
“Why and How to Provide Spiritual Care to Older Adults With Dementia”
Program: Research and empirical evidence support the importance of spiritual care for elders and others with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. However, little attention has been focused on current practices of spiritual care programming for older adults with memory loss. This session will give examples of possible gaps in the spiritual care of those with memory loss, some current practices to fill those gaps, and results when this care is provided.
Presenters: Elisa Bosley , Chaplain, Spiritual Eldercare
Chad Federwitz , MA. Manager – Pitkin County Senior Services, Adjunct Instructor of Gerontology Pitkin County Senior Services
Presented by: American Society on Aging
Tuesday, August 11, 11:30am-12:30pm
“Time out for Care Partners: Mindful Pilates”
Program: Recognizing in yourself that you deserve a self-care break is not always easily practiced.
Movement is an important component of self-care, not only providing physical health benefits, but also mental benefits. Exercise releases endorphins in your brain, which play an integral role in reducing stress levels and defeating low mood, while also decreasing stress hormones in the body, such as cortisol. Re-ground yourself and find your place of calm.
Presenter: Shelly Yu, neurophysioterapist
Presented by: Parkinson Society British Columbia
Tuesday, August 11, 11:30am-12:30pm
“Sundowning Syndrome in Dementia”
Program: The term ‘sundowning’ refers to a set of behaviors seen in some individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia when they become confused, agitated or nervous later in the afternoon and into the night. Learn about the behaviors associated with this syndrome, along with the risk factors and triggers. Treatment options and suggestions for preventing behaviors associated with this syndrome will also be provided.
Presenter: Erin Light, MA
Presented by: Alzheimer’s Orange County
Wednesday, August 12, 8:00-9:00am
“Healthy Brain Workouts”
Program: Discover proven methods that may help strengthen and create cognitive reserves in the brain which could help lower the risk of getting Alzheimer’s Disease.
Presenter: Roy Capps MPS, CDS, iCaregiver Educator Specialist for CARE NYC
Presented by: PSS
Wednesday, August 12, 9:00-10:00am
“Caregiver Stress and Healthy Living”
Program: Recognizing and managing the symptoms of caregiver stress is essential. Learn simple strategies for healthy living and a positive experience.
Presenter: To be advised at time of webcast
Presented by: Fairfax County Family Caregiver Support Program
Thursday, August 13, 8:00-9:00am
“Tips on Caregiving and COVID-19 with Alzheimer’s Association”
Program: Caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s is stressful, and the COVID-19 crisis may bring unprecedented challenges. This one-hour presentation gives practical tips for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers. Come and join the Alzheimer’s Association staff and community members in this educational journey while learning about the Alzheimer’s Association programs and services happening in your community.
Presenter: Gregory Drapkin, MPH, CDP, Care & Support Program Manager for Alzheimer’s Association
Presented by: PSS
Thursday, August 13, 10:00-11:00am
“An Introduction to Home Care”
Program: This talk is a general introduction to home care services. We will discuss finding a home care agency, what to expect, the types of services provided by home care, and ideas on introducing care to someone who may not feel they need it.
Presenter: Grace Townley-Lott, LMSW, Director of the True Bridge Program, True Care Home Care
Presented by: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
Tuesday, August 18, 11:30am-12:30pm
“Time out for Care Partners: Navigating the Health Care System”
Program: Our healthcare system is complex and highly fragmented, with roles and rules changing frequently, especially during the ongoing and enduring COVID-19 pandemic.This workshop, hosted by Connie Jorsvik, Founder and Senior Healthcare Navigator/Advocate at Patient Pathways, will help you understand all of the different kinds of care that your loved one with Parkinson’s may need, as well as the transition processes between each advancing stage. Please note healthcare options discussed will be focused on the Canadian Health Care system.
Presenter: Connie Jorsvik, Founder and Senior Healthcare Navigator/Advocate at Patient Pathways
Presented by: Parkinson Society British Columbia
Wednesday, August 19, 8:00-9:00am
“The Early Signs of Alzheimer’s/Dementia”
Program: Learn the warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. Gain insights into behaviors that could suggest deeper problems that may require medical attention.
Presenter: Roy Capps MPS, CDS, iCaregiver Educator Specialist for CARE NYC
Presented by: PSS
Tuesday, August 25, 11:30am-12:30pm
“Time Out for Care Partners-Advance Care Planning”
Program: Advance Care Planning (ACP) is an umbrella of conversations and documentation for a time when we may not be able to speak for ourselves, including during emergencies, hospitalization, advanced age, and end of life. It is important for every adult of every age, no matter their state of health, to plan for situations. Care partners, in particular, must be prepared to plan their own care, and support in planning the care of their loved one in the event that they cannot continue in their caring role.
Presenter: Connie Jorsvik, Founder and Senior Healthcare Navigator/Advocate at Patient Pathways
Presented by: Parkinson Society British Columbia
Wednesday, August 26, 8:00-9:00am
“How to help someone with Memory Loss”
Program: Learn about the over 100 causes of memory loss! In addition, gain insight as to the best ways to help a loved one with memory loss and tangible ways to improve their quality of life.
Presenter: Roy Capps MPS, CDS, iCaregiver Educator Specialist for CARE NYC
Presented by: PSS
Thursday, August 26, 10:00-11:00am
“Care Partner Town Hall: Strategies for Effective Communication”
Program: Join us as we kick off our quarterly Care Partner Town Halls. Our highly-trained Helpline experts respond to nearly 20,000 calls annually from the Parkinson’s community, and this new Town Hall format will bring some of the most frequent topics to you in a one-hour program. This Town Hall will focus on strategies to help care partners, friends and families effectively connect and communicate with their loved one with Parkinson’s.
Presenter: To be advised at time of webcast
Presented by: Parkinson’s Foundation
Wednesday, August 26, 10:00-11:00am
“Understanding, Identifying, and Addressing Fall Risk in Aging Adults”
Program: The risk of falls increases with age, with up to 25% of those aged 65 and older experiencing a fall, and rates increasing to 33% of those aged 85+. The consequences of a fall can be physical and/or psychological, both of which could ultimately impact a person’s ability to remain living independently. In addition to the potential for serious injury as a result of a fall, including breaking bone(s) and possible traumatic brain injury, even falls that do not cause substantial physical harm may lead to psychological consequences, such as increased fear of falling. Whether a person limits movement as a result of fear or physical injury, this can lead to increased risk of social isolation, loneliness, and/or depressive symptoms. Fall prevention should be a goal of those who provide care to aging adults in order to help them maintain quality of life. This webinar will disuss the various ways to assess fall risk and how to intervene by implementing various modifications.
Presenter: Julie Blaskewicz Boron, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Gerontology, University of Nebraska, Omaha
Presented by: Right at Home
Thursday, August 27, 11:00am-12:00pm
“Navigating the World of Assistive Technology for People Living with Dementia”
Program: Are you caring for a person living with dementia or do you want to broaden your “toolbox” with strategies and solutions for someone living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease? Discover Assistive Technologies that can benefit people living with dementia.
Presenters: Carolyn Phillips, Director, Tools for Life | Georgia Tech
Rachel Wilson, AT Specialist, Tools for Life | Georgia Tech
Presented by: NADRC, Administration for Community Living