Article by Giuliana Valencia, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging
(Posted 2022 November)
November is National Family Caregivers’ Month, and the Fairfax County Department of Family Services, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging recognizes the critical role of family caregivers as partners in care and acknowledges the importance of providing services to support caregivers during a time that can be complicated and stressful.
Each year, an estimated 53 million adults in the United States provide care to an older adult, or an adult with a disability, according to a 2020 report from AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving. The essential care and assistance they provide enables their loved ones to live with dignity and remain in their communities. This has never been more evident than during the COVID-19 pandemic when their responsibilities intensified due to shelter-in-place mandates and the closure of formal services. Many caregivers had to make difficult decisions to keep their loved ones safe and well.
A family caregiver is a person who provides care and assistance to a member of their family or loved one. This includes neighbors and friends. Family caregivers have become the backbone of our long-term care system, and they take on a wide range of responsibilities, ranging from household tasks to assisting with medical and nursing tasks, often with little to no training. Many of them “struggle to balance their caregiving role with other family responsibilities and employment, and they often forgo rest and self-care,” according to the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers (acl.gov).
While the caregiving experience can be overwhelming, caregiving can also be a rewarding and enriching journey. During this month, we honor family caregivers for their dedication, commitment, and compassionate care to their loved ones. To learn more about our caregiver programs, visit FairfaxCounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults/family-caregiver-support-programs or call our Aging Disability, and Caregiver Resource Line at 703-324-7948, TTY 711.
Nonpharmacological Approaches for Managing Dementia Behaviors - Caregiver webinar
This presentation will cover evidence-based non-medication strategies that (informal and formal) care partners can implement to address a range of challenging behaviors associated with the progression of dementia.
This presentation will be facilitated by Natalie Regier, PhD, Assistant Professor and Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Center for Innovative Care in Aging, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. Join us on Wednesday, November 16, from noon-1 p.m. Online registration: bit.ly/CAREWEB1 or call 703-324-5484.
Veteran Family Caregivers: Exploring Unique Challenges and Resources - Panel Conversation
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “there are almost 5.5 million caregivers caring for Veterans, and 96% of those caregivers are women. 70% provide care to a spouse or partner, and [they] provide care for an average of 10 years.” Veteran caregivers play a critical role in supporting the health and wellbeing of returning wounded warriors. In this panel conversation, we will explore the unique challenges they face and learn about different resources available to help them in their journeys.
Panelists include: Ahime J. Harris, Northern Region Veteran Resource Specialist, Virginia Veteran and Family Support, Virginia Department of Veterans Services; Kady Luke, MSW, LCSWA, CFSW, Hope For The Warriors®; Melissa Comeau, Director, Military and Veteran Caregiver Network, American Red Cross; and Anne O’Dell, Vice President, Programs and Operations, Workhouse Arts Foundation, Inc. Join us on Friday, November 18, from 2-3 p.m. Online registration: bit.ly/AAAPanel or call 703-324-5484.
Virtual Dementia Friendly Information Session
Learn how to become a dementia friend and turn your new understanding of dementia into a practical action that can help someone living in your community. During this presentation, you will learn to describe dementia and know the most common type of dementia, state the five key messages about dementia, explain one approach to effectively communicate with a person with dementia, and commit to an action as a Dementia Friend in your community.
This presentation will be facilitated by Allegra Joffe, caregiver specialist, Fairfax Area Agency; and Diane Watson, Dementia Friendly Champion, Dementia Friendly Fairfax. Join us on Wednesday, November 30, from noon to 1:15 p.m. Online Registration: bit.ly/DementiaFriendlyFairfax or call 703-324-2019.
Caregiver Support Group
The Fairfax Adult Day Health Centers invites you to join their family caregiver support group on Tuesday, November 15, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The topic will be Helping Maintain Autonomy. If you wish to attend, please sign onto:
Zoom Meeting: vdh.zoom.us/j/3222872381.
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).