ElderLink Virtual Support Call for Family Caregivers of Older Adults

2025 ELDERLINK VIRTUAL CAREGIVER SUPPORT CALLS

In the caregiving journey, it can be difficult to prioritize and navigate how to take care of yourself when you are so focused on caring for someone else. To provide the best care to others, caregivers need to take the best care of themselves. Join ElderLink’s January support call to learn more about the different dimensions of wellness and how to support yourself while caregiving.

Whether you are a spouse caring for a spouse, a child caring for a parent, or a sibling taking care of a sibling, shifting into the role of a caregiver can challenge the dynamics of your relationship. Join ElderLink’s February support call to discuss the challenges and successes of navigating your dual roles as a loved one and a caregiver.

Receiving a new diagnosis for your loved one, no matter the type, can leave caregivers with a vast array of emotions and questions.  Join ElderLink’s March support call to meet with other caregivers who are processing the news of a loved one receiving a new diagnosis.

Caregivers often face questions about advance care planning, including medical treatments and end of life decisions for loved ones. It is difficult to make these kinds of decisions during an emergency, crisis, or at the end of life. During ElderLink’s April support call, join us for a brief presentation and discussion with Dr. Shan-Bala, Geriatrician with Inova who will help you think about critical discussions to have, decisions to be made, and the benefits of starting these conversations early.

Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia and/or other general cognitive changes can have an acute effect on communication and processing, emotional well-being, and ability to complete activities of daily living. As caregivers we may have to shift our communication and caregiving style to effectively support cognitive changes. Join ElderLink's May support call as we use an immersive training platform to gain greater insight and perspective into learning how cognitive changes may impact communication and functional abilities.

Caregiving for multiple individuals such as a parent or grandparent, and children or grandchildren presents unique rewards and challenges to caregivers. Caregivers may experience pride and joy in their duties and at the same time feel overwhelmed by the high demand of responsibilities. Join ElderLink’s June support call for a brief presentation and discussion with Katherine Hall from the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging Caregiver and Support Services Unit on the topic of intergenerational caregiving. Discuss rewards and challenges, as well as learning tips, and creating space for self-care.

Join ElderLink for our July support call and engage in an open discussion on caregiver challenges.

Even with good planning, caregiving for someone who does not live nearby or to whom you provide support indirectly can come with unique challenges. Join ElderLink‘s August support call for a discussion about the challenges and successes of your caregiving journey and learn tips to stay informed and effective in your role.

When emergencies arise, caregivers often face a multitude of concerns regarding the wellbeing of their loved one. Join ElderLink’s September support call, for a brief presentation and discussion facilitated by the Department of Emergency Management and Security (DEMS) on the topic of Emergency Preparedness. The presentation will include safety and planning considerations, proactive action steps that you can take, and education about resources available to assist.

Caregiving during the holidays can cause an already full schedule to overflow. 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. Join ElderLink’s October support call to share ideas and tips for navigating the holiday season with more joy and less stress.

When we step into a caregiving role, it’s important to consider the financial implications this can have. Financial planning allows the space to consider short-term financial planning, as well as long-term planning. Join us for our November support call to discuss financial planning considerations during the caregiving journey.

The holidays are intended to be a time of celebrating and creating joyful memories with loved ones. However, when caring for someone whose health is declining or who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, it can be difficult to join in the holiday spirit. Join ElderLink’s December support call to engage in discussion on navigating grief and loss while caring for someone with a terminal illness and finding hope as we transition into the New Year.