Caregiver Teleconnection

Explore our remote caregiver support programming
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  • Dementia Conversations: Driving, Doctor Visits, Legal & Financial Planning

    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.

  • Coping with Caregiver Stress

    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 […]

  • Overview of Veteran Benefits through the VA

    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?

  • Behavioral Disturbances in Alzheimer’s disease

    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 […]

  • Los cuidados paliativos

    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».

  • Dear Caregivers: Don’t fear failure

    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 […]

  • Parenting our Parents…Now What?!

    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

  • Adult Protective Services

    Join Ray Kirsch with Adult Protective Services (APS) as he discusses what APS can and cannot do. He will cover the definition of abuse, neglect and exploitation as well as how APS uses the least restrictive options to help maintain individual rights. You will learn about different ways that APS can be a great resource […]

  • Families of choice and of Relations

    Join Dr. Elliot Montgomery Sklar and Lucy Barylak, MSW as they discuss issues impacting LGBT caregivers and those who care for LGBT elders. They will define families of choice as well as explore how to negotiate family dynamics. Also, they will discuss how to identify and access resources to help in the caregiving role.   […]

  • Overview of State of Texas Services

    What services are available for older adults and caregivers through the state. Many of these services are also funded with federal funds.   Overview of State services 6.7.19

  • The Importance of Paperwork

    Join Dr. Elliot Montgomery Sklar and Lucy Barylak, MSW as they discuss how to create an Estate Plan, which includes a Living Will, Advanced Directives, a Will, Revocable Trust, Durable Power of Attorney etc. They will also share how to create “The Folder” on your smart phone where pictures and important documents can be stored. […]

  • Hoarding Disorder: Let’s not Call them Hoarders!

    This presentation focuses on why hoarding behaviors occur. Recently included in the DMS of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, more conversations are being had on this topic and it does not have to be a family’s secret. People who exhibit hoarding tendencies may place a high value of importance on an object we may not understand. […]

  • A Community to be Proud of

    Join Dr. Elliot Montgomery Sklar and Lucy Barylak, MSW as they discuss how to identify community resources and supports for caregivers. Learn about LGBT-affirming programs and services as well as how to have a “cup half-full” outlook.  

  • Caring for someone who has Cancer

    Cancer impacts the entire family, not just the person diagnosed. In this teleconnection, Rachel Cannady (Strategic Director, Cancer Caregiver Support – American Cancer Society) will discuss the multidimensional needs of those providing care to loved ones with cancer. She will describe the comprehensive suite of evidence-informed resources that the American Cancer Society has developed for […]

  • Las señales que revelan el estrés de la person aque cuida a otra

    El estrés de cuidar a un ser querido o familiar puede causar problemas emocionales y físicos. Usted aprenderá que las experiencias tanto buenas como malas pueden provocar estrés y cómo reconocer las señales de advertencia para tomar las medidas necesarias. The stress of caring for a loved one or family member can lead to emotional […]

  • The Pride of Professionals

    Join Dr. Elliot Montgomery Sklar and Lucy Barylak, MSW as they discuss how professionals can change the health care culture for the LGBT community. They will share available resources for professionals to help them in their support of LGBT caregivers and clients. There will also be a discussion on the importance of cultural sensitivity in […]

  • Dear Lucy with Lucy Barylak, MSW

    This month she will discuss how caregivers could and should advocate for their loved ones as well as for themselves within the healthcare system. 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.

  • Signs That it’s Time for Assisted Living or a Skilled Nursing Facility

    Deciding to move a loved one from home into a care community is never an easy task nor are the reasons for placement the same for every individual. We will discuss the physical, psychological, social and financial reasons one should consider when evaluating whether the move of a loved one is in their best interest. […]

  • Caregiving for the Visually Impaired

    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.   Resources for […]

  • Take Your Oxygen First!

    Dr. Jamie Huysman, LCSW, CAP has been a fierce advocate for family caregivers, their rights, and wellbeing for over 15 years. Since 2009, “Take Your Oxygen First” has been an ever-evolving call to action for caregivers to engage in taking care of themselves their own sakes, as well as that of their loved ones. This […]

  • Dear Lucy with Lucy Barylak, MSW

    This month she will discuss how to handle difficult behaviors when dealing with a loved one living with dementia. 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.    

  • LOLA – Loss of Life Advocates

    LOLA walks you through as a guide talking about all the things together. “I realized after losing my father in 2014 and then my husband shortly afterwards, there was no one to be a guide for me.- that is when I came up with Loss of Life Advocates, named after my mother, to help individuals, […]

  • How do Caregivers Keep on Keeping on?

    How and why do caregivers keep providing care to a loved one day after day, month after month, year after year? Join this session to find some of the reasons, in addition to the facts of unpaid caregiver value to our nation. Learn to advocate for more comprehensive caregiver services, and share how you have […]

  • Nine Dementias and Five Questions to Understanding Dementias, Falls and UTIs

    Knowing about the nine most common forms of dementia allows families to talk to a doctor in order to get a specific diagnosis. Tam will answer talk about the symptoms of the most common dementias, and answer questions such as: Why does my loved one fall? Why are UTIs present? How does guilt play a […]

  • On Becoming a Fearless Caregiver

    Learn how to create an internal climate in your mind and body that makes being a caregiver healthier for you.  

  • A Prescription for Caregivers: Rest, Reflect and Recharge

    Feelings of frustration, guilt, anger, grief/loss, crying and sadness are just a few of the real and raw emotions we experience as a Caregiver. Caregivers often become overwhelmed and isolated in their 24/7 care of a loved one. Nestor H. Praderio, M.D. will lead a discussion on the importance of self care and prioritizing your […]

  • Dear Lucy

    This month she will discuss how to handle difficult behaviors when dealing with a loved one living with dementia. 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. **Continuation from August 15th Session**

  • Simplify Self-Care through Music

    Join Janna Cantu, MT-BC, CFSS as she discusses how she sets “self-care to music to so that your brain outsmarts trauma while your body simply listens”! Her beautiful, evidence-based musical interventions teach your mind and body how to turn on the relaxation response ( rest and digest mode) and turn off the stress response ( […]

  • Recognizing and managing the signs of caregiver stress

    Alzheimer’s caregivers frequently report experiencing high levels of stress. It can be overwhelming to take care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, but too much stress can be harmful to both of you. Learn more about recognizing signs of stress, and tips to avoid burnout.  

  • Cuerpo y cerebro sano es vida sana: consejos de las últimas investigaciones

    Únase a nosotros para conocer las investigaciones en las áreas de dieta y nutrición, ejercicio, actividad cognitiva y participación social, y use herramientas prácticas que lo ayudarán a incorporar estas recomendaciones en un plan para el envejecimiento saludable.

  • Hospice Care

    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. […]

  • Cómo cuidar a las personas que padecen demencia

    El Dr. Néstor Praderio presenta una conferencia para los cuidadores de seres queridos que sufren de la enfermedad de Alzheimer y otras demencias. Esta plática animará a los cuidadores a atender de la mejor manera su propia salud, tanto física como emocional, así como la de la persona que padece demencia.  

  • The Pride of Caring: Issues for the LGBT Caregivers

    While many issues are the same for 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 open forum and safe space for asking questions and discussing concerns.  

  • Depression and Anxiety in Older Adults: Identifying Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

    Depression and anxiety can affect any of us as we age, regardless of our background or achievements. Symptoms of elderly depression and anxiety can affect every aspect of one’s life, impacting energy levels, appetite, sleep, and interest in work, hobbies, and relationships. This class will help identify signs, educate regarding symptoms, and explore effective ways […]

  • How to communicate with your loved one’s provider

    Family caregivers have a crucial role to play as partners in healthcare with physicians and other healthcare professionals. But first they need to know how to interact with them most effectively. In this session, we’ll spell out specific methods for communicating information with even the busiest doctors and making yourself a valued member of the […]

  • Do you have questions about how to manage yours or your loved one’s medications?

    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 Barylak, MSW, will […]

  • Staging Your Loved One

    Join Dr Tam Cummings as she explains the seven stages of global decline in the dementia process. Understand where your loved one is now and identify what behaviors will happen next by using the staging tools provided for this workshop. **Sponsored by VITAS Healthcare**  

  • Do you have questions about how to manage yours or your loved one’s medications?

    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 Barylak, MSW, will […]

  • How Caregivers Can Enjoy the Holidays

    Many seniors, especially caregivers, have treasured memories of holidays filled with friends and family. As we age, the number of those people may dwindle and our energy to reach out may wane, especially among tired caregivers . But here is the good news: with adequate preparation, this could be your best holiday season ever! Learn […]

  • Do you have questions about how to manage yours or your loved one’s medications?

    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 Barylak, MSW, will […]

  • Tendencias, desafíos y factores culturales de los cuidadores hispanos

    Los hispanos representan el 21 por ciento de los casi 40 millones de cuidadores de familiares en los Estados Unidos quienes brindan cuidados sin recibir compensación económica a sus padres, cónyuges, parejas y otros seres queridos que son adultos mayores. Hablaremos sobre tendencias, desafíos y realidades de los cuidadores hispanos y cómo la cultura juega […]

  • Do you have questions about how to manage yours or your loved one’s medications?

    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 Barylak, MSW, will […]

  • La otra cara de la Navidad cuando eres cuidador de un familiar

    La Navidad es sinónimo de alegría, reencuentro, fiestas, comidas y regalos pero la realidad es que estas celebraciones pueden ser días de dificultades, agotamiento e incluso tristeza para familiares que cuidan a un ser querido enfermo. Es importante preparanos para estas fechas y poner en práctica algunos consejos útiles para lograr equilibrio y serenidad durante […]

  • Communication Tips for Alzheimer’s and Dementia

    Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias gradually diminish a person’s ability to communicate. Communication with a person with Alzheimer’s requires patience, understanding and good listening skills. There are strategies that can help both you and the person with dementia understand each other better.  

  • Caregiving and the Holidays: Changing It Up

    Annual session on surviving and thriving during the holidays as you juggle your caregiving responsibilities with the holidays. The speaker will share the experiences of other caregivers about self care, listening to your loved’s wishes, family gatherings, and other challenges. Listeners will be able to explore how to make the most of the coming weeks. […]

  • Dear Lucy with Lucy Barylak, MSW

    With the holidays approaching, it can get even more stressful at times trying to balance everything. Dear Lucy will be discussing how to make it through the holidays and still maintain balance. This is an interactive session where Dear Lucy will answer questions and have a conversation with caregivers regarding the issues they face in […]

  • Take Your Oxygen First!

    Dr. Jamie Huysman, LCSW, CAP has been a fierce advocate for family caregivers, their rights, and wellbeing for over 15 years. Since 2009, “Take Your Oxygen First” has been an ever-evolving call to action for caregivers to engage in taking care of themselves their own sakes, as well as that of their loved ones. This […]

  • Boundaries In Caregiving: Preventing & Avoiding The Martyr Syndrome

    Despite their good intentions, many caregivers unintentionally take on too much, putting their own health and well-being at risk. When caregivers develop “the martyr syndrome” and are reluctant to look for or accept help, the consequences can be devastating. Join us for this interactive discussion on how to set limits in caregiving while still providing […]

  • The Second “Coming Out” for LGBT Seniors: Issues in Aging and Caregiving

    Join Dr. Elliot Montgomery Sklar and Lucy Barylak, MSW as they discuss issues impacting LGBTQ caregivers and those who care for LGBTQ elders. They will discuss being open about sexuality with health care providers, and answer questions surrounding “coming out” in long-term care facilities. **Part of The Pride of Caring: Issues for LGBTQ Caregivers series** […]

  • Entendiendo la demencia

    Una descripción general de los síntomas clave de este síndrome. Aprenda sobre los tipos y causas de la demencia. Comparta su reacción inicial al diagnóstico y cómo se está adaptando al papel exigente de un cuidador.  

  • Caregiving Wasn’t on My Bucket List!

    Sometimes life has its own plans that we didn’t anticipate, which can leave us feeling unprepared for the caregiving journey. This session will address dealing with resentment and anger, and how to cope with feelings of guilt and isolation. **Part of The Pride of Caring: Issues for LGBTQ Caregivers**  

  • Experience Conscious Breathing

    Did You Know - Breathing is the only autonomous bodily system that you can control. Psychologists say that conscious breathing is effective for the reduction of anxiety, depression, and stress. In this session you will learn about the ins and outs of conscious breathing and its stress reduction properties. You will be guided through a […]

  • Resources-R-Us! LGBT and Aging Resources and Supports

    Learn about resources to help navigate the health system as an LGBT caregiver, and the important documents you should have handy. **Part of The Pride of Caring: Issues for LGBTQ Caregivers series**  

  • “Aging Gayfully”: Life After Caregiving

    Join us for a very personal discussion on finding joy in the process of aging as a member of the LGBTQ community, and learn about the evolving programs and services that exist to support aging “gayfully”. **Part of The Pride of Caring: Issues for LGBTQ Caregivers series**  

  • When Enough is Enough: Setting Personal Boundaries as a Caregiver

    Setting personal boundaries is an important step in managing the stress of caregiving. This session will help participants understand what it means to set boundaries, why it is important to set boundaries, and strategies for setting boundaries. Participants will hear strategies from other caregivers on this important topic and will be able to share their […]

  • Estrés de cuidador: Cuando un acto de amor se vuelve una carga agobiante

    Las exigencias emocionales y físicas que son parte del cuidado de una persona mayor enferma pueden estresar incluso a la persona más resiliente. Por ello, es tan importante aprovechar todos los recursos y las herramientas disponibles para manejar el estrės. Expondremos cuáles son las características que definen el estrés de cuidador y como se puede […]

  • Dear Lucy with Lucy Barylak, MSW

    This month she will discuss how to handle difficult behaviors when dealing with a loved one living with dementia. 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.  

  • The Dementia Dialogues: Identifying the Nine Most Common Forms

    Nine dementias account for 98 percent of all dementias. Recognizing the signs and features of each dementia helps family caregivers recognize and identify which form or forms of dementia their loved one is displaying, allowing for better care planning.   Tam Cummings LLC Handouts 2020

  • Addressing common issues family caregivers face

    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 […]

  • Alzheimer’s Evaluation and Treatment

    Alzheimer’s Disease is the most widely recognized type of dementia and currently there is no cure. Nestor H. Praderio, MD will review the evaluation process for diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease and explain symptoms and stages. He will also outline current treatment options including medication management and strategies for addressing the associated behavioral issues of the disease.