Elder Care Program Summer Newsletter 2018
Dear All,

As another school year comes to a close, I hope you will find ways to slow down and reclaim some time for yourselves. Maybe take that lunch break you've been too busy for, or get out and take a little walk in the sunshine. Unlike your job, your caregiving responsibilities don't follow the rhythm of the academic year. You may have taken time away from work and family more than once during the Spring semester to attend to an elder's needs. These needs may be constantly changing, or they may recede for a while until new ones arise. Remaining in a constant state of readiness, however, can be stressful, and usually isn't sustainable. When you're experiencing an ebb tide in your caregiving, consider taking time to focus on yourself and your own needs. It's essential.

This Summer we will once again be offering the Summer Series for Caregivers. Each of the three classes will focus on specific caregiver challenges, such as assisting an elder with memory loss, or one who resists help; juggling caregiving demands with other life demands; and coping with the slow loss of a loved one. Resources to assist elders and self-care strategies for caregivers will be discussed and provided.

The classes will be held at the Tang Center from 12:10-1:30. You are welcome to bring your lunch. Registration details are shown below.

Whether you are able to attend one of the classes or not, know that you are welcome to meet me for a private, free, confidential consultation regarding your caregiving concerns.  Please contact Employee Assistance; employeeassistance@berkeley.edu or 510-643-7754 to schedule and in-person or telephone appointment. I'm happy to help.

Take care,
Maureen Kelly, LCSW, Ed. D, Elder Care Counselor
Karen Patchell, MA, Elder Care Coordinator
Summer Series for Caregivers 2018


Caregiver Challenges: Memory Loss & Resistance
Wednesday, June 13th, Tang Ed. Center
Time: 12.10 - 1.30 pm
This workshop will focus on specific challenges related to caring for an older adult, including caring for an elder with memory loss and caring for an elder who resists help.  Strategies for self-care will be shared. Resources provided. 

Caregiver Stress: Competing Demands & Finances
Wednesday, July 18th, Tang Ed. Center 
Time: 12.10 - 1.30 pm
This workshop will focus on the stressors associated with caregiving, including competing demands, such as work, family and personal, as well as finances for care.  Strategies for self-care will be shared.  Resources provided. 

Caregiver Grief: Losses Associated with Aging
Wednesday, August 8th,  Tang Ed. Center
Time: 12.10 - 1.30 pm
In this workshop we will identify various losses associated with aging and how these changes may be experienced by an elder, the caregiver, and other family members; recognize grieving as an active and important process; and try to differentiate between grief and depression.  Strategies for self-care will be shared.  Resources provided.  
Register for this class

Well Connected (Formerly Senior Center Without Walls)

Despite the new names,Well Connected will continue providing phone and online-based activities, educational programs, friendly conversations, and an assortment of classes and
support groups to older adults accessible from the comfort of home. Play a game,write a poem, go on a virtual tour, meditate, share a gratitude, get support, and most importantly, connect and engage with others every day across the country.

Rethinking Memory Loss Workshop 
 
At an easy pace, allowing time for insight, this
highly practical workshop offers both a depth understanding of memory loss and in the moment exercises that promote communication skills.

When: June 23rd, 9.30 am - 3 pm
Where: Piedmont Adult School, 800 Magnolia Avenue, Oakland
Cost: $68 

Welcome to MediCare for Seniors Event



Where: Fremont Library, 2400 Stevenson Blvd. Fremont
When: June 15th, 2.30 - 3.30 pm
Cost: Free
 
LGBT Dementia Care Summit
 

The Summit will bring together service providers, community members, and policy makers to discuss progress in LGBT dementia care. We will look at opportunities to meet the needs of those facing dementia as we form a network of dementia-capable services for the LGBT community. 

When: Thursday, June 7th, 9 am - 2 pm
Where: The Milton Marks Conference Center Hiram W. Johnson State Office Building, Lower Level, 455 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102
Cost: Free, Lunch Included


Online Course: Living With Dementia: Impact on Individuals, Caregivers, Communities and Societies

Health professionals and students, family caregivers, friends of and affected individuals, and others interested in learning about dementia and quality care will benefit from completing the course. Led by Drs. Nancy Hodgson and Laura Gitlin, John Hopkins University School of Nursing, participants will acquire foundational knowledge in the care of persons with Alzheimer's Disease and other neurocognitive disorders.

When: Begins May 21st
Cost: Free for ungraded participation


In This Issue

Quick Links

 

 

Alzheimer's -NorCal

Elder Care Locator

-  Family Caregiver Alliance

 


Book Recommendations
 


Comprehensive and detailed, sensitive and realistic, practical and accessible, this edition provides more tips on prioritizing and organizing caregiving tasks, balancing work and family responsibilities, and navigating the complex maze of eldercare services.


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Geriatric psychology expert David Solie offers help in removing the typical communication blocks many experience with the elderly. By sharing his insights into the later stages of life, Solie helps in understanding the unique perspective of seniors, and provides the tools to relate to them.




Be Well at Work Elder Care Program, a part of Employee Assistance, offers confidential, free assistance for current UC Berkeley faculty and staff and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory employees who are caring for or concerned about an elder or dependent adult. 


The Elder Care Counselor, Maureen Kelly, is available to answer your questions, help set priorities, refer you to resources and provide support.

If you'd like to schedule an appointment with Maureen, please call


(510) 643-7754