Learn about how to ensure that the most appropriate medical professionals are consulted and remain involved to diagnose symptoms as being “Normal aging,” dementia, or depression and anxiety. What are common medications used, correctly and incorrectly? Learn from an expert who works with families in their homes who has experience in many settings.
Lewey Body Dementia affects an estimated 1.4 million individuals and their families here in the U.S. Angela Taylor will be providing an introduction to Lewy body dementia, including its symptoms and how it differs from Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. She will also share what she views as her 4 pillars of LBD caregiving, based […]
Caregivers will have the opportunity to call in and ask questions, make comments and express yourself regarding the issues you face as a caregiver. You can submit your questions or comments by e-mail or phone.
Do you feel like you are coping with caregiving as well as you might? If not, this session will discuss how to learn new techniques, validate the ones you use that are working, and provide the opportunity for other caregivers to share how they have developed coping strategies that make life better.
Caregivers will have the opportunity to call in and ask questions, make comments and express yourself regarding the issues you face as a caregiver. You can submit your questions or comments by e-mail or phone.
Stacey Freedenthal, PhD, LCSW will discuss the need for caregivers to directly ask people at risk for suicide if they are having suicidal thoughts, obstacles to having this conversation, and ways to overcome those obstacles. This will include discussing specific techniques for asking about suicidal thoughts.
Caregivers will have the opportunity to call in and ask questions, make comments and express yourself regarding the issues you face as a caregiver. You can submit your questions or comments by e-mail or phone.
How do caregivers maintain dignity while their loved one becomes increasingly dependent on them? Join this presentation lead by the Alzheimer’s Association to learn tips on preserving dignity for the person with the disease and increasing their quality of life.
Naomi Feil, M.S.W., A.C.S.W., developed Validation, which is a proven method of communication that helps improve the connection between caregivers and older adults experiencing dementia. Numerous studies have shown that Validation reduces stress for caregivers (which includes professionals and family members) while enhancing dignity and happiness for those they care for.
Most individuals living with dementia experience changes in their sleep patterns. Understanding and treating these sleep disturbances can be challenging for caregivers. Research suggests that sleep medications are not effective; however, nondrug approaches are helpful in improving sleep in persons with dementia. This presentation will describe the link between dementia and sleep disorders, and discuss […]
During our “Caregiving for the Visually Impaired” presentation we will cover blindness sensitivity and some basic caregiving information. This will include common types of vision loss, meeting a blind person, orientation and mobility, and sighted guide techniques. We will also address how to recognize vision loss and questions to ask the doctor.
It is a fact of life that everyone makes mistakes from time to time. When the mistake hurts someone we love, we can experience depression, anxiety, shame, and guilt over the pain we caused. The antidote to that shame and guilt is found in self-compassion. Sharon Gayle will discuss the features of self-compassion, how it […]
Caregivers will have the opportunity to call in and ask questions, make comments and express yourself regarding the issues you face as a caregiver. You can submit your questions or comments by e-mail or phone.
Tam’s signature talk, which is based on the name of her popular book “Untangling Dementia: A Guide to Understanding Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias”, provides family and professional caregivers an in-depth understanding of the disease from diagnosis to death. During her presentation, Tam explains the progression and staging of dementia, the physical causes of disease-driven behaviors, […]
Family members are deeply and emotionally connected despite feeling distant or disconnected In this session- understanding family dynamics and caregiving begins with the family systems theory. Dr. Lozano will present types of underlying family dynamics and the impact of these dynamics on caregiving. Lastly, this session will review five methods to assess your relationship with […]
Do you find that now that you are a caregiver, you just don’t have enough time, energy, strength, or have health problems of your own? Learn how home care services can help and let you be the best caregiver for your loved one. Find out the difference between home care and home health care, how […]
We are taught from birth that we are to love others, but relational love can be challenging. If caregivers don’t understand how to meet their own needs, how can they be there for their charges? In the presentation, we will explore the importance of loving ourselves and caring for our own needs as a necessary […]
If you ask someone if they are prepared for a life transition or loss, they generally say they dont want to think about it, or they lean in and say, “I think so.” There is so much that goes into getting someone prepared and when you do the work, afterwards you will have the feeling […]
In this talk you will learn the how to differentiate between, stress, burnout, and Compassion Fatigue. You will learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of Compassion Fatigue, identify the trajectory, and begin to implement the 5 resilience’s needed to assist you in achieving growth.
Caregivers will have the opportunity to call in and ask questions, make comments and express yourself regarding the issues you face as a caregiver. You can submit your questions or comments by e-mail or phone.
Evalyn Greb, LCSW will discuss how to properly assess your situation for you and your loved one as it is and help you understand how to prepare for the future care of your loved one. Learn about the importance of having a plan in place in order to avoid crisis situations.
We will explain the communication changes that take place throughout the course of the disease, decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia and respond in ways that are helpful to the person, and identify stages to connect and communicate at each stage of the disease. Specific focus will attend to dealing […]
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Likely as many as 20% of persons with Alzheimer’s and other dementia in the US live alone—over 1 million. Splaine Consulting recently held three regional conferences and learned a lot about what these persons lives are like and some solutions that are coming on line to make their lives better. With a community that assumes […]
Learn about Aikido communication: Align, Agree, Redirect, and Resolve. With Aikido, one listens for areas of agreement or common ground and uses “I” messages, which are particularly effective when emotions run high.
Lucy Barylak, MSW as “Dear Lucy”. This is an interactive session where Dear Lucy will answer questions and have a conversation with caregivers regarding the issues they face in their caregiving journey. You may ask your question during the call or you can submit your questions or comments by email or phone.
There is increasing scientific evidence for linking oral disease with overall health. Learn what is considered “normal” aging of the mouth, versus a disease state as well as the importance of health promotion and disease prevention, rather than the traditional dental model of “drill and fill”. Dr. Dirks presents an informational and practical framework so […]
If you were in control of your last months of life, what would you want? What would you want to accomplish? Who would you want to see? When life-prolonging interventions are no longer helpful or desired, hospice can offer support to meet your goals and spend your time focusing on what is important to you. […]
Learn more about 1) the differences in how medications affect older adults differently than when they were younger, 2) the Beers list, 3) common drug interactions, 4) importance of using one pharmacy and ensuring all physicians have a complete list of medications. **Sponsored by the the North Central Texas Caregiver Teleconnection**
El Dr. Néstor Praderio hablará sobre los riesgos, el diagnóstico y las opciones de tratamiento. Infórmese sobre los síntomas comunes y entienda los factores desencadenantes de esta enfermedad común que afecta a un número cada vez mayor de adultos de 65 años y mayores
Lucy Barylak, MSW as “Dear Lucy”. This is an interactive session where Dear Lucy will answer questions and have a conversation with caregivers regarding the issues they face in their caregiving journey. You may ask your question during the call or you can submit your questions or comments by email or phone.
There are many issues that a caregiver will face when providing care for someone. How do decide what level of care is needed? When is it time to look into long term care? How do you help but still maintain your loved one’s independence? Find out the answer to these questions and many more as […]
Caregivers face the heart rendering decision of taking the car keys away from elderly parents whose driving behavior has become a danger to themselves and others. This isn’t an easy decision to make because it represents the older driver’s sense of independence and dignity. Join Dr. Jamie in a discussion about taking away the car […]
Research suggests that women and men approach caregiving with different expectations and often take different approaches to tasks and the prospect of receiving help from others. Barry J. Jacobs, Psy.D, a psychologist and co-author of AARP Meditations for Caregivers, will explore these differences and suggest ways that women and men can work better together during […]
Los elementos esenciales de una familia sólida son la confianza, el respeto, el aprecio, el apoyo y el amor. La dinámica de las relaciones familiares es compleja y confusa. El Dr. Néstor H. Praderio hablará sobre la dinámica del núcleo familiar al lidiar con el diagnóstico y plan de cuidados de la enfermedad de Alzheimer […]
Lucy Barylak, MSW as “Dear Lucy”. This is an interactive session where Dear Lucy will answer questions and have a conversation with caregivers regarding the issues they face in their caregiving journey. This month she is going to discuss topics ranging from facing discrimination to helping a loved one accept the progression of dementia to […]
Learn how to deal with and make a plan for challenging behaviors. We will discuss causes and triggers of challenging behaviors, and how to make a plan to change the behavior.
Holidays are exciting yet can also be stressful. Caregivers going to see their loved ones may be especially stressed. Join this session to hear some tips for preparing emotionally for such a trip from a professional and other caregivers.
Caregivers of people living with dementia need the “ How to’s” of managing the challenges they face each day. The Dealing with Dementia Guide and Workshop was created to provide some of those “How to’s”. From problem solving around dementia behaviors to creating a dementia friendly lifestyle, Gayle Alston, co-author of the guide and program […]
Explore the unique challenges of caregiving and the holidays. What traditions may need to change? Learn tips to cope with the stress of balancing caregiving and self-care.
If you’re worried about the safety of your aging loved one who is living at home, it could be for good reason. Home safety issues and falls are among the leading causes of injury at home. There are common hazards and warning signs that family members can look out for. The good news is, simple […]
Las temporadas de fiestas presentan muchas oportunidades para estar juntos y compartir risas y recuerdos. Sin embargo, también conllevan estrés, decepción y tristeza. Es posible que una persona que vive con Alzheimer experimente una sensación de pérdida especial durante esta temporada debido a los cambios y, al mismo tiempo, las personas que cuidan de otra […]
The life of a family caregiver seems almost unbearable, and many times the health of the caregiver suffers greatly, to the detriment of the care recipient. But what if there was a magic trick that could not only ease the burden of the caregiver, but also improve the quality of life for the person with […]
Lucy Barylak, MSW as “Dear Lucy”. This is an interactive session where Dear Lucy will answer questions and have a conversation with caregivers regarding the issues they face in their caregiving journey.
This event is from 8:00am to 5:00pm on December 30, 2018.
El Dr. Néstor H. Praderio hablará sobre la fatiga de las personas que cuidan de otras y la importancia de cuidarse a sí mismo. El doctor también dedicará especial atención a desarrollar habilidades de sobrellevar básicas que le ayuden a aliviar el estrés y mantener una relación positiva con su ser querido. Nestor H. Praderio, […]
Did you know that your mindset and attitude have a direct impact on your health and well being? Researchers have found that practicing gratitude can have a positive effect on your brain and overall health, important for family caregivers and others. In this session, you will learn how to start on your path to thankfulness.
Nationally, greater attention is being paid to the concerns facing caregivers. While many issues are the same for all adults and those who care for someone, some unique considerations arise for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people dealing with their caregiving roles. This session will discuss some of these issues, and will provide an […]
Aging. Illness. Disability. Everyone, at some point in life, will be touched by the need to be a family caregiver. Shelia Warnock, Founder and President of Share the Care ™ will talk about an unique approach to caregiving to ease the burden on one person by forming groups of caregivers and coordinating delivery of services.
Learn about essential financial decisions older adults must make. What do they need to know to lower risk but have money to help them stay independent. How can family caregivers help loved ones make informed decisions?
A caregiver’s self-care is just as important as the care provided to another. When we don’t take care of ourselves, we diminish our quality of life. Burnout, depression, and compassion fatigue are the result of ignoring our own needs and wants. In this session, Dr. Jamie will identify the red flags and feelings to watch […]
This presentation takes a detailed look at the A’s of Dementia -- from anxiety, anger, aggression, apathy to amnesia, aphasia, agnosia and apraxia – in a manner that allows caregivers to connect how each “A” is a result of specific damage in the brain’s lobes. Understanding the link between the behaviors of each “A” provides […]
Join us for an interactive session to learn ways to identify local, state, and national resources for caregivers. Also learn how to think and act creatively to find support groups and other sources of emotional support.
This is an interactive session where Dear Lucy will answer questions and have a conversation with caregivers regarding the issues they face in their caregiving journey.
During the family caregiving years, there can sometimes be a blurry line between being a supportive guide for our loved ones and an arm-twisting bully who insists on cooperation with getting tasks done. We should rarely put tasks over our relationships. But in the on-rush of care demands, creeping bullying can still occur. In this […]
There are days filled with love and happiness but it is also reasonable to expect to experience grief over the many losses that you encounter, such as the loss of your independence, your relationship with your loved one or family members, the list goes on and on. Therapeutic writing is an excellent tool to help […]
Si usted o algún conocido está experimentando pérdida de memoria o cambios de comportamiento, es hora de que conozca la verdad. Detectar la enfermedad de Alzheimer temprano le dará la oportunidad de empezar un tratamiento, participar en un estudio clínico y planear para el futuro. If you or someone you know is experiencing memory loss or […]
This dementia is highly misunderstood, even in the medical community, and takes families up to 4 years to get a proper diagnosis. They will explain what signs show up first, how to get an accurate diagnosis, and what to do after you receive the diagnosis.
Older adults face many loses as they age which causes distress and can strain relationships. Explore ways that caregivers can 1) help aging loved ones cope with grief caused by losses of health, identity, homes, and confidence 2) intervene when there is denial and resistance as older adults lose independence, and 3) maintain relationships during […]
Dementia is a scary term and is often misunderstood. Dementia isn’t defined as a specific disease. It is generally described as a group of symptoms which affect cognitive and social abilities to the extent that they interfere with the functions of daily living. Dementia is usually confused with Alzheimer’s because it is the most common […]
Lucy will be joined by Chris MacLellan, MA, published author, and Caregiver Assistance Program Coordinator with the South Florida Institute on Aging. Chris’ experience with being a caregiver for his partner was featured in a 2015 Pulitzer Prize-nominated story. Chris will be sharing his caregiving experience in an interactive session where he and Lucy will […]
In this talk participants will explore the role that grief plays, it’s various manifestations, stages, and purposes. Grief can appear randomly or repeatedly for unpredictable periods of time. As an emotional companion to loss, grief can sometimes be misunderstood for depression, and lead to improper treatment. Everyone will receive suggestions for understanding and honoring the […]
This workshop will explore how communication takes place when someone has Alzheimer’s. You’ll also 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.
Únase a nosotros para aprender maneras de identificar los recursos para las personas mayores en su comunidad. Descubra los servicios disponibles en su área, tales como consejería de beneficios, asistencia legal y otros servicios disponibles para personas mayores y cuidadores de famlia. Join us to learn ways to identify resources for seniors in your community. […]
I will be talking about the importance of having estate planning documents to plan for later need or incapacity. The documents commonly needed are: Wills, Statutory Durable Powers of Attorney for Finances, Medical Power of Attorney, Directive to Physicians, Declaration of Guardian in the Event of Later Incapacity or Need, HIPAA Authorization, and Appointment of […]
Learn about Mental Aerobics, which is a program designed to enhance the self-esteem and cognitive functioning of older adults. Family caregivers is also for YOU. The emphasis is on having fun, the cooperative sharing of ideas, and the development of solutions to challenging problems.
Cuando se emite un diagnóstico de demencia, las personas generalmente asumen que es de Alzheimer y a menudo hacen referencia a los dos indistintamente. Se cree ampliamente que la demencia y el Alzheimer es lo mismo. ¡ No lo son! Mientras que el Alzheimer puede ser la forma más común y ampliamente reconocida de la […]
Lucy Barylak, MSW as “Dear Lucy”. This month she will discuss the difference between normal aging and the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. This is an interactive session where Dear Lucy will answer questions and have a conversation with caregivers regarding the issues they face in their caregiving journey.
Is your brain being overactive? Hard to sleep at night? Millions of Americans are suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder and caregivers have extra worries. Please join for a discussion of why stress has become commonplace and what to do about it, especially if you are a caregiver!
The Dementia Conversations program shares tips for breaking the ice and having difficult conversations around some of the most common issues that arise when someone shows signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia. The audience will also be provided with information on accessing the resources of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Do you have questions about how to manage your medications? • Are you concerned about how to recognize potential drug interactions and how to store and remember to take medicine appropriately? • Do you know how to store your medications correctly? • Do you know if you are taking your medicines the right way? Lucy […]
Therapists estimate dementia family caregivers suffer the highest levels of anxiety and depression of any group of caregivers. In this practical presentation, Dr. Tam covers the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety, and their physical impact on caregivers. She also teaches and practices with audience members a number of proven, easy techniques to control […]
Do you have questions about how to manage your medications? • Are you concerned about how to recognize potential drug interactions and how to store and remember to take medicine appropriately? • Do you know how to store your medications correctly? • Do you know if you are taking your medicines the right way? Lucy […]
Learn who qualifications for veteran or widow benefits. What are those benefits? How income and assets affect qualification. What forms, certificates and other documentation (ie DD-214) are required? What is the benefit application process and tips on how to complete the form correctly? How long does it take to qualify?
Cognitive decline in Dementia patients is progressive and creates significant psychological distress. Dr. Praderio will outline the most common behavioral disturbances associated with dementia such as agitation, both verbal aggression (obscenities, accusation, etc.) and physical aggression (pacing, biting, hitting), wandering, hoarding, sleep disturbances, sexual inhibition, hallucinations, and others. He will also discuss various interventions for […]
Do you have questions about how to manage your medications? • Are you concerned about how to recognize potential drug interactions and how to store and remember to take medicine appropriately? • Do you know how to store your medications correctly? • Do you know if you are taking your medicines the right way? Lucy […]
La Dra. Liliana Oakes hablará sobre los cuidados de apoyo y paliativos y la importancia de entender estos servicios. La doctora también hablará sobre la diferencia entre estos apoyos y los cuidados terminales o «hospice».
Many family caregivers strive to succeed at caring well for their loved ones but also live with a fear of failure.They worry that they are going to make a mistake and cause their loved ones to suffer more. They have a “negative bias” in their thinking, focusing more on the one task they’ve done wrong […]
Do you have questions about how to manage your medications? • Are you concerned about how to recognize potential drug interactions and how to store and remember to take medicine appropriately? • Do you know how to store your medications correctly? • Do you know if you are taking your medicines the right way? Lucy […]
Responding to our parents aging: What happens when roles as parents and children are switched because of illness and disability? What are the key issues and concerns? What does Medicare and Medicaid cover? When and how does the family intervene? These and other questions will be explored. Parenting Our Parents