Article by Allegra Joffe, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging
(Posted 2023 March)
Many family caregivers dedicate a large amount of time caring for their loved ones but they may still feel a social disconnection between themselves and the person they care for. Disconnection can happen when their time together is monopolized by caregiving tasks and duties. The good news is that connection can be reestablished and intentionally putting aside time to connect will benefit both parties. Social connection has been proven to produce health benefits for both caregivers and care receivers. Harvard Medical School has found that social connections are healthful because they “relieve harmful levels of stress, which can adversely affect coronary arteries, gut function, insulin regulation, and the immune system.”
Some practical examples that family caregivers can use to connect with their loved one are:
- Set time aside during the day to talk about non-caregiving topics.
- Attend an in-person or virtual class that’s enjoyable for you and your loved one at a local library.
- Learn a new skill or hobby together.
- Listen and sing to music and take turns choosing songs.
- Go for a walk together in your neighborhood or local park and discuss what you see.
- Reminisce over old photos and share stories.
- Do a puzzle together.
- Visit local animal shelters.
- Go to a free community event together.
- Try a new meal together and rate how it tastes.
If you wish to learn more about caregiving resources for persons with dementia, call our Aging, Disability, and Caregiver Resources Line at 703-324-7948 or visit FairfaxCounty.gov/OlderAdults.
Understanding Dementia for Caregivers - Caregiver Webinar
Wednesday, March 15, Noon to 1 p.m.
In this presentation, Dr. Abigail Lawler will provide an overview of the different types of dementia, such as Lewy Body Dementia, Vascular Dementia, Frontal Temporal Dementia, Parkinson's Disease, and Alzheimer's Disease, along with suggestions for techniques and medications that may help with difficult behaviors.
Dr. Lawler is a Neurology Specialist at Inova Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center (IPMDC) and a board-certified member of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Online Registration:
bit.ly/CAREWEB1
Come to a Memory Café - Caregiver Workshop
Friday, March 24, Noon to 1 p.m.
Caregivers need the fellowship and support of others who are facing similar issues, and those with the diagnosis need friendship and the opportunity to talk with those in the same situation. During this virtual presentation, you will discover what exactly a Memory Café is, and what it isn’t. We will have an interactive session with sample activities, games, and resources. Traveling with your loved one on the Alzheimer’s journey is difficult. Sharing the journey with others can make it easier.
This presentation will be facilitated by Carol Blackwell, who was a caregiver for her husband, Bob, for 12 years. Bob and Carol were the subjects of a series of articles in USA TODAY on living with Alzheimer’s Disease, and they wrote a weekly blog for the online USA TODAY. Online Registration: bit.ly/StayingWell-123
Pulmonary Rehab: Helping You Breathe Easier - Caregiver Workshop
Friday, March 31, Noon to 1 p.m.
Are you or your loved one struggling to breathe? Do you have a lung disease or suffer from shortness of breath? In this webinar, Marjorie McBurney, Registered Respiratory Therapist from John Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, defines breathing and why is it so important. In addition, she will explore what is pulmonary rehab and is it right for me? She will describe and demonstrate some of the techniques – PLB, Huff Cough, Energy Conservation and review supplemental oxygen and monitoring, and discuss caregiving support. Online Registration: bit.ly/StayingWell-123
Virtual Chair & Mat Yoga Class
Wednesday, March 1 and 8, 10-11 a.m.
This gentle class uses both the yoga mat and a chair and is designed for relaxation. Hosted by the Fairfax County Public Library. Online Registration: bit.ly/ChairMatYoga.
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).