WellMed Charitable Foundation

Ask Dr. Tam Questions
2023-07-06 13:00 - 14:00, 2023-09-12 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago)
What kind of questions do you have about dementia? As a caregiver, how do you survive the journey? Dr. Tam Cummings will cover quick stress relief tips and answer any questions you have about dementia.
**Sponsored by VITAS Healthcare**

Family Diplomacy -- Strategies to Align and Balance Your Care Team
2023-07-10 12:00 - 13:00
This session will highlight the primary caregiver’s role as family ambassador and discuss common challenges support systems face. Participants will learn how to compartmentalize and delegate responsibilities, how to work around disruptive family members, and how to break the patterns of old family assumptions. **Sponsored by the North Central Texas Caregiver Teleconnection**

"Behavioral Disturbances in Dementia"
2023-07-11 10:00 - 11:00
Cognitive decline in Dementia patients is progressive and creates significant psychological distress. Nestor H. Praderio, M.D. will lead a candid discussion on the potential for escalating dangers associated with behavioral problems as well as the havoc it may create for caregiver burnout and the overall welfare of the patient.

What can caregivers do when the person with dementia refuses personal daily care
2023-07-13 10:00 - 11:00
The session will address different methods on how to deal and cope with these difficult situations. There will be a review on dementia and some reasons behind these behaviors. Lucy will also provide helpful tips- on bathing, dressing, mouth care and grooming.

La diferencia entre cuidados paliativos y el hospicio
2023-07-14 11:00 - 12:00
La doctora Liliana Oakes compartirá las definiciones y diferencias entre los servicios de hospicio y cuidados paliativos (cuidados de apoyo). Utilizará historias reales para demostrar estos conceptos y equipar y alentar a los pacientes y cuidadores a beneficiarse de estos servicios de manera oportuna.

Why Family Caregivers Should Say “No”
2023-07-18 11:00 - 12:00
Family caregivers often feel uncomfortable setting limits and saying “no” to the family members they are caring for because they don’t want to feel guilty. But saying “no” can be good for caregivers and care receivers. Psychologist and author Barry Jacobs will lead a conversation about how to say “no” to improve the well-being of the caregiver and care receiver and therefore avoid all guilt.

Help, I am a “people-pleaser” and it’s killing me!
2023-07-20 12:00 - 13:00
How many times have you said yes to a request when deep down you either did not have time to do it or did not want to do it? How many times have you put others’ needs before your own? Successful caregiving involves balancing your loved one’s needs and other family members’ needs with your own needs. Join Dr. Oliver as she shares strategies on how to learn to say “no” and how you can become a recovered “people-pleaser.”

Current Issues in Long Term Care
2023-07-25 10:00 - 11:00
This session addresses current hot topics in long term care, and data that caregivers should know about concern long term care facilities. We’ll discuss caregiver and staff concerns.

Ask Dr. Tam Questions
2023-08-01 13:00 - 17:00
What kind of questions do you have about dementia? As a caregiver, how do you survive the journey? Dr. Tam Cummings will cover quick stress relief tips and answer any questions you have about dementia.

When Caregiving Ends
2023-08-02 10:00 - 11:00
Caregiving is a journey that changes when a care recipient’s health declines. This session focuses on dealing with anticipatory grief, caregiver isolation, how to replace time spent on caregiving tasks and moving on. At the end of this session, Elliot and Lucy will stay on the line and offer personal support.

La Agitación en la Demencia
2023-08-08 10:00 - 11:00
La agitación y los comportamientos asociados en la demencia presentan desafíos clínicos difíciles y agotadores para los cuidadores. Nestor H. Praderio, MD presentará el espectro de comportamientos y el deterioro progresivo de la función cognitiva de la agitación en la demencia. También explicará el diagnóstico diferencial de la agitación en la demencia y presentará las intervenciones clave para tratar y controlar estos comportamientos.

Why Does Dementia Cause Hallucinations, Delusions, and Paranoia
2023-08-10 10:00 - 11:00
Join Lucy as she discusses what the symptoms of hallucinations, delusions and paranoia are and what causes the behaviors that can happen during these episodes. She will share tips on what to do when it happens. At the end of this session Lucy will stay on the line and offer personal support.

The Other Dementias
2023-08-14 12:00 - 13:00
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, but other types of dementia each have a unique pattern of impairment and clinical course. This discussion will cover the most common of these other types of dementia. **Sponsored by the North Central Texas Caregiver Teleconnection**

Dementia, Stigma and Caregiving
2023-08-17 12:00 - 13:00
Currently, there are over 6.2 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, yet many caregivers do not talk about it or even admit their loved one has it. Why is there so much stigma? How can we stop the stigma so that others will get the help they need as caregivers of someone living with dementia? Join Dr. Oliver as she discusses why it’s important to share what you are going through as a caregiver and how you can talk to others about it.

Anxiety and New Science of the Brain
2023-08-22 11:00 - 12:00
Decades ago we learned that we were born with all the brain cells we would ever have. Today, we know we can create new brain cells and we can change the way our brain sends and receives messages from different parts of the brain and from the body! This information can help us control the level of stress and anxiety caregivers often confront. Join us for a little brain update and some good discussion.

Moving Away from the Idea of Co-Dependency
2023-08-24 13:00 - 14:00
Never has a mental health condition been more prevalent and truly less understood then the word “codependency”… Caregivers have historically been ‘tarred and feathered” with this word, even in the book I co wrote called Take Your Oxygen First!
Walking on egg shells to avoid conflict, feeling like you are “lost in the sauce” with a loved one, being the one that apologizes all the time, being bullied and feeling hurt by others actions or even being the one who refuses constantly in a relationship may be all signs that we may being in a codependent relationship. But is codependency the diagnosis or is it a manifestation of something clinically deeper.
Join Dr Jamie and the ESRT Team with a trauma informed new look, understanding and perspective of this often misunderstood concept as it relates to family and professional caregivers. Tune in for a fascinating new perspective around this concept of understanding better why the old concept has been overly used, abused, and actually possibly distracted us from the real root causes around this overused concept.

What To Know About the New Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease
2023-08-29 10:00 - 11:00
The FDA recently approved a second treatment that addresses the underlying biology of Alzheimer’s and changes the course of the disease for people in the early stages. This program will explore what is known about this new treatment – Leqembi: how it works, what it does, how much it costs, where to get it — and answering all your questions! At the end of this session Elliot will stay on the line and offer personal support.

Recognizing and coping with Anticipatory Grief
2023-09-05 10:00 - 11:00
No one lives forever and it’s so hard to let go. Losing a loved one can be one of the most devastating events in our lifetime, but your relative is sitting right next to you. Loss and grief are part of the human experience. Caregivers experience something called “anticipatory grief.” These are feelings of grief that can begin well before a loved one passes away. We will discuss ways to recognize and cope with anticipatory grief. **Sponsored by VITAS Healthcare**

Engaging Caregivers: A Program for Healthcare Workers part 1
2023-09-06 10:00 - 11:00
Learn about defining roles and responsibilities with patients and caregivers, the role of diversity and culture, and where to find resources to help with difficult situations and elder abuse.
Healthcare workers can better serve patients through partnership with caregivers, but there is limited formal training and support on how to engage caregivers which is the focus of this series. Certificate of attendance provided upon request. At the end of the sessions, Elliot and Lucy will stay on the line and offer personal support.
Join us to discuss:
Defining Caregivers & Recognizing Their Experiences

What research tells us about caregiver experience, challenges, and well-being
Are caregivers a resource, partner, or client?
Self-care for caregivers and professional caregivers

Self-Care for Real Life
2023-09-11 12:00 - 13:00
Learn how to cultivate mindfulness and self-care through guided practices, which can be used as meditation, relaxation, or stress-reducing and coping skills. You will learn skills to transfer to your real, day-to-day life to help you throughout those high stressor days and ensure you enjoy all the moments of life. **Sponsored by the North Central Texas Caregiver Teleconnection**

Brain Health for Older Adults
2023-09-12 10:00 - 11:00
Nestor H. Praderio, MD will review the evolution of our brain and how significant changes in our lives impact its function. He will highlight how genetics, diet, nutrition, medication, stress and other factors relate to overall brain health. Dr. Praderio will discuss the importance of a neuro enhancing environment and techniques for maintaining good brain health.

Engaging Caregivers: A Program for Healthcare Workers part 2
2023-09-13 10:00 - 11:00
Learn about defining roles and responsibilities with patients and caregivers, the role of diversity and culture, and where to find resources to help with difficult situations and elder abuse.
Healthcare workers can better serve patients through partnership with caregivers, but there is limited formal training and support on how to engage caregivers which is the focus of this series. Certificate of attendance provided upon request. At the end of the sessions, Elliot and Lucy will stay on the line and offer personal support.
Join us to discuss:
Difficult Situations & Elder Abuse

How to support caregivers in dealing with difficult behaviors from their loved ones
What does elder abuse look like when caregiving- when it comes from the caregiver, from the care receiver, what are the risk factors and why?
Advocacy issues

Toileting, Incontinence and Dementia, and what you need to Know
2023-09-14 10:00 - 11:00
It is often common for people to have more difficulties using the toilet as they age, particularly if they have dementia. Incontinence and accidents can cause problems, especially as the person’s dementia progresses. This can be very challenging for caregivers to handle and manage. The session will focus on why this happens and tips for caregivers on how to deal with and manage this delicate matter.

Disaster Preparedness for Caregivers: What to Know Now
2023-09-19 10:00 - 11:00
September is National Preparedness Month, whose focus this year is ‘Helping Older Adults Prepare for Disasters’. Planning is a key to making through all kinds of disasters which affect seniors, vulnerable populations, and caregivers uniquely. This session will outline key preparedness tips for caregivers to maintain safety during natural disasters, weather events, and power outages.

Engaging Caregivers: A Program for Healthcare Workers part 3
2023-09-20 10:00 - 11:00
Learn about defining roles and responsibilities with patients and caregivers, the role of diversity and culture, and where to find resources to help with difficult situations and elder abuse.
Healthcare workers can better serve patients through partnership with caregivers, but there is limited formal training and support on how to engage caregivers which is the focus of this series. Certificate of attendance provided upon request. At the end of the sessions, Elliot and Lucy will stay on the line and offer personal support.
Join us to discuss:
Diversity & Caregiving

How to support caregivers from different cultures
Gender and sexuality
Cultural competence in long term care planning, and in long term care settings

Healthy Brain and Healthy Aging
2023-09-21 12:00 - 13:00
For centuries, we’ve known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age. Join us to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging. Join Dr. Natalee Oliver, DSW as we dive deeper into our own brain, body & emotional health all while reducing our risk factors to develop different forms of dementia.

Conceptos básicos de Medicare
2023-09-22 10:00 - 11:00
¿Ha oído hablar de la inscripción abierta de Medicare? Únase a José Díaz que explicara los conceptos basicos de Medicare para que haga un decision informada para su ser querido.

Understanding and Managing Behavioral Symptoms with LBD – Techniques of Support and Information for Medical Discussions
2023-09-26 12:00 - 13:00
Are you a care partner supporting someone with Lewy body dementia? This presentation will provide a deeper dive into symptoms that can be experienced by those with LBD – especially altered perceptions, cognitive fluctuations, and issues with sleep. It will provide additional information on techniques of support for symptoms – as well as provide additional content to discuss with medical providers.

Embracing the Unknown Learn to Live with Uncertainty in our Lives!
2023-09-28 13:00 - 14:00
We live in the moment now more than ever. Before COVID, we lived with the illusion of certainty. Now we know for sure that we don’t have certainty. As caregivers, did we ever have “certainty” or is that an illusion?
It is a new time and new age but has the world of uncertainty ever really changed? How do we want to live right now, with all the risks, limits, and new freedoms? That is the question many caregivers are wrestling with in unpredictable times.
How can we accept and embrace the idea that what we choose now may need an adjustment tomorrow? Can we go with the flow? Make our decisions with the current? Resist the urge to force certainty where none can exist?
Join Dr Jamie this month in understanding the power that actually exists in “the unknown” and how we, as caregivers can reduce our own anxiety and learn to embrace the concept of “uncertainty” in our lives as well as our loved ones.
