Online Registration — Free Virtual ElderLink Caregiver Support Call for Family Caregivers of Older Adults

    FREE VIRTUAL ELDERLINK CAREGIVER SUPPORT CALL    

    FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF OLDER ADULTS

ONLINE REGISTRATION    

Some topics in caregiving are hard to talk about. Join us for a discussion about those difficult moments, deal breaker situations, and taboo topics in a safe environment. (**Not a replacement for individual professional support or counseling).

Many grapple with the ethical dilemma of not being completely truthful with their loved ones in certain situations. “Therapeutic fibbing” is when you tell a fib or bend the truth to fit the reality of a person who has dementia, or other cognitive disorder, in order to avoid increased agitation. Join us to share your experiences, challenges, and successes.

Caregiving can be challenging and burnout is a real concern. Sometimes finding the humor in a situation and laughing out loud with your loved one is the best choice for that moment. Let's talk about using humor for both your and the care recipient’s well-being.

Many of us face questions about advanced medical treatment and end of life decisions for our loved ones in crisis situations. It is difficult to make those decisions in an emergency or at the end of life. Whether your loved one can be included in this discussion, or not, we will help you think about discussions that need to be had and the decisions that need to be made.

Caregiving is a very demanding role. It can sometimes leave caregivers with little time or energy to maintain relationships with others who are important in their lives. However, it is essential to keep these relationships healthy for many reasons, including the fact that friends and family can help in times of struggle by providing relief from the stresses of caregiving. Join us for this important caregiving discussion.

Alzheimer’s and other dementias often are accompanied by challenging behaviors that we are not always prepared to handle. When loved ones become angry or aggressive, it is not unusual to feel hurt or frustrated. Reminding yourself that the exacerbated behavior you are seeing is a result of the disease and not the person's choice may help you better cope with these feelings. Many of us have experienced these behaviors. How have you dealt with these challenges?  What successes or learned lessons could you share with other group members? Join us for this important discussion.

Join us for this call which will focus on an important aspect of caregiving that often gets missed: the joy. "When we provide help to someone we care about, we feel more positive emotions, like compassion, satisfaction and a vicarious happiness at being able to help," says psychologist Michael J. Poulin. According to a five-year study published in the “American Journal of Public Health,” helping others lessens the physical effects of stress. And studies show that caregivers may live longer.

Join us for an open forum on caregiving issues, questions you might have, and feedback and suggestions for the support call going forward.

To quote AARP, "For some family caregivers, the holidays can be a joyful time when spirits are lighter. It feels good to care for loved ones and enjoy time together, celebrating with family traditions. But for many the holidays also bring added stress — an already busy caregiver finds there’s even more to do during the holidays. Something’s gotta give!" During our call, we will discuss some ideas and tips to help you make it through the holiday season with more joy and less stress.

Finding the Rewards in Caregiving. This topic brings to light the many good things caregivers do and how we, as informal (family, non-paid) and formal (professional) caregivers, are in this journey together with our collaborative and cooperative relationships. Join us to share your observations about what it means to you to be a caregiver — the downs and the ups, the lows and the highs, the challenges and the victories.

Caregivers often put others ahead of themselves. They may neglect to prioritize their needs leaving themselves vulnerable and unable to stay physically and emotionally strong. Join our December support call about being a healthy caregiver.