Untangling Dementia with Tam Cummings, PhD
2018-06-19 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago)
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, changes in perception and communication abilities, the impact of the disease on caregivers, and much more.

Lucy Barylak, MSW as "Dear Lucy"
2018-06-14 09:00 - 10:00, 2018-05-10 09:00 - 10:00, 2018-04-26 11:00 - 12:00, 2018-04-12 11:00 - 12:00, 2018-03-08 11:00 - 12:00
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.

Self-Compassion: Why it Matters While Caring for Others with Sharon Gayle, MA, LPC, LCDC
2018-06-11 11:00 - 12:00
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 serves to give hope and healing to the person who uses it in daily practice.

Caregiving for the Visually Impaired with Nancy Gawlik
2018-06-06 10:00 - 11:00
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.

Strategies for treating dementia-related sleep issues with Nancy A. Hodgson, RN, PhD
2018-05-29 11:00 - 12:00
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 strategies for treating dementia-related sleep issues.

Validation Breakthrough with Naomi Feil, MSW, ACSW
2018-05-21 12:00 - 13:00
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.

Maintaining Dignity in Dementia with Melissa Griffin
2018-05-14 11:00 - 12:00
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.

Talking about Suicide: Overcoming the Taboo with Stacey Freedenthal, PhD, LCSW
2018-05-01 10:00 - 11:00
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.

Developing Coping Strategies with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
2018-04-17 11:00 - 12:00
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.

An Introduction to Lewy Body Dementia with Angela Taylor, Director of Programs
2018-03-27 10:00 - 11:00
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 on her personal experience as a caregiver for her father who had LBD.

Mental Health & Aging: What Caregivers Need to Know with J Dan Bruce
2018-03-12 11:00 - 12:00
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.

Caregiver Burnout with James Huysman, PsyD, LCSW
2018-03-01 12:00 - 13:00
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 for, specify action steps for continued self-care, and empower you to create your own plan to Take Your Oxygen First!

Lucy Barylak, MSW as "Dear Lucy"
2018-02-22 11:00 - 12:00
Do you have a question about something related to your duties as a caregiver? Have you been wondering if there is a better way to manage a challenging situation?
We want to hear from you! This is a chance for you to ask questions, make comments, and express yourself regarding the issues you face as a caregiver. It is as easy as 1, 2, 3…
1. Identify any questions, thoughts and ideas you have about your caregiving role or experience (no question is too small!)
2. Submit your questions, thoughts and ideas by email or phone
3. Call in to hear “Dear Lucy” answer your questions or discuss the topics you submitted. To honor confidentiality, no names will be used. Even if you don’t have a question or idea to share, please call in to listen to the discussion. You might learn something helpful!

Managing Family Conflict During Family Caregiving with Barry Jacobs, PsyD
2018-02-19 10:00 - 11:00
Differences of opinion are a natural part of family life. Little wonder, then, that such differences and even heated debates arise during family caregiving when the stakes and emotions run high. During this hour, psychologist, family therapist and co-author of AARP Meditations for Caregiving, Barry J. Jacobs, Psy.D., will present a framework for managing conflict between the primary caregiver and care recipient, among caregiving family members, and between the caregiving family and healthcare and social service professionals.

Lucy Barylak, MSW as "Dear Lucy"
2018-02-08 11:00 - 12:00
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 email or phone.

Minduflness with Cynthia Hazel, M.A.
2018-02-01 10:00 - 11:00
Research shows that mindfulness, the practice of accepting what is without judgment can lower psychological stress. Caregivers who share their lives while valuing themselves can reduce their stress levels and become open to the possibility of joyful moments with their loved one(s). In this session, we will explore how being mindful will help caregivers provide compassionate self-care, let go and make heartfelt connections.

Frontotemporal Degeneration: What it is, What it isn't, and What are the Signs and Symptoms with Sharon Hall and Rebekah Wilson, MSW
2018-01-26 10:00 - 11:00
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.

Legal Issues for Caregivers with Carol Bertsch, Elder Law Attorney
2018-01-16 11:00 - 12:00
Carol Bertsch is a practicing elder law attorney, who is well known in her field as a fierce advocate for older adults and their family caregivers. Listen as Carol discusses those important legal issues and documents with which caregivers and seniors need to be familiar.

Managing Difficult Behaviors with Evalyn Greb, LCSW
2018-01-04 10:00 - 11:00
Has your loved one’s behaviors become more difficult lately? This session will help participants find out why difficult behaviors happen and describe some coping strategies for a variety of the more common ones. You’ll be able to share your questions, techniques, and tips with other caregivers in a meaningful way.
