Article by Lauren Elcesser, ElderLink
(Posted 2025 February)
Caring for You, Caring for Me (CFYCFM), is the signature program of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI) which was created to support caregivers, helping them cultivate relationships and develop skills that research has demonstrated to be most beneficial to them and the care recipient. ElderLink began offering this program in 2018 throughout Fairfax County.
CFYCFM offers a blend of support and education for all caregivers – family, professional and volunteer – focusing on advocacy and care for both the caregiver and care recipient. The purpose of the CFYCFM program is to provide a relaxed setting where caregivers can come together to discuss common issues and concerns, as well as to share their different perspectives. By participating in the class, the goal is for caregivers to feel more confident and competent in their caregiving role.
In 2017, ElderLink staff were originally Master Trained to facilitate this class through a grant obtained by the Riverside Center for Excellence in Aging and Lifelong Health, in Williamsburg, VA. In 2021, responding to social distancing Covid guidelines, ElderLink was granted permission by RCI to pilot virtual CFYCFM workshops. As both the in-person and virtual classroom settings have demonstrated to be effective options for offering CFYCFM, ElderLink plans to continue offering both program options.
CFYCFM participants meet for two hours/week for five consecutive weeks. Each class focuses on a different module, including:
1. What It Means to be a Caregiver
Define the terms “caregiving” and “caregiver.” Discuss the importance of caregivers, the need for care, the nature of the caring relationship and the rewards and difficulties caregivers face. Gain understanding of and support for each other.
2. Taking Care of Yourself
Identify self-care skills, outcomes of NOT taking care of yourself, and examine negative emotions. Identify effective coping skills, examine your personal support system and recognize the role and importance of humor and laughter.
3. Building Cooperative Relationships
Introduce elements needed for building a cooperative relationship. Recognize the importance of cooperative relationships between family and professional caregivers. Examine skills needed to maintain cooperative relationships.
4. Preventing and Solving Problems
Identify common problems faced by caregivers. Discuss guidelines for problem solving. Describe and practice a five-step model for problem solving.
5. Accessing and Developing Resources
Identify barriers to accessing caregiving resources in the community. Learn practical guidelines and strategies for navigating the formal system of care and services. Learn local resources.
Caregivers who participated in ElderLink’s facilitated workshop in 2024 shared how they were impacted by the workshop, including:
- “I no longer feel alone. I have a multitude of resources to help me get through. This class was both informative and positive for me!”
- “It has given me more confidence in myself that I can do this, especially with all of the resources that were given.”
- “More confident in caregiving…”
- “By making me feel less guilty. I have obtained resources needed to move forward in my caregiving role.”
Registration is currently open for a CFYCFM workshop which will be hosted at Insight Memory Care Center – Fairfax, 3953 Pender Drive, Suite 100, Fairfax, every Wednesday effective 3/5/2025 until 4/2/2025 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register online at tinyurl.com/CFYCFM4U or call ElderLink’s Intake Line at 703-324-5374.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).