Summer 2020 is in full swing. While this summer may feel much different than previous years, something that hasn’t changed are hot temperatures. Heat and humidity can be uncomfortable for some, but for others, like an older adult requiring your care, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke are serious concerns. Normal physical changes that occur later in life mean adults slowly lose the ability to efficiently regulate their temperature, leaving them vulnerable to injury from heat.

FCA’s blog post on Hot Weather Tips provides a good overview of warning signs of heat related problems, and also lists steps for keeping an older adult cool. Additional resources have been published by the CDC and AARP.

10th Annual Caregivers Count Conference—Now Online

Caregivers Count is a free virtual conference for families and friends caring for a loved one. Join fellow caregivers and experts to learn about well-being, financial concerns, technology tools, stress reduction, and family dynamics. Register for one or more sessions.

September 12: Emotional Well-Being

September 19: Paying for Care

September 26: Technology Tools

October 3: Reducing Stress and Dealing with Parents and Resistance

When: Four Consecutive Saturdays, September 12, 19, 26, and October 3, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon (PT)

Where: Online

Cost: No charge

Registration: Click here

Check out a great new podcast series about caregiving. It’s part of a larger project sponsored by The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, which includes documentaries and events. Podcast topics include technology and caregiving, the complexities of family dynamics in the caregiving setting, and how some organizations are addressing social isolation. 

When: Six consecutive Tuesdays, September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, and October 6, from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Where: Online

Cost: No charge

Registration: Click here

This group focuses on the needs and unique challenges faced by caregivers 40 and under. FCA’s Young Adult Caregiver Support Group meets monthly online (via Zoom) on the 1st Thursday, and 3rd Thursday — 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Zoom login details will be provided with registration. To register contact Rachel, (415) 434-3388 ext. 331 or email rcreed@caregiver.org.

Venga a compartir su experiencia, consejos y apoyo con otros cuidadores. El Tercer Jueves de Cada Mes, 2-3 p.m. Para Participar en el Grupo de Apoyo, Marque el Número 1 669 900 6833, ID de reunion: 963 2072 9945#

Para mas Información y Registrarse, Por Favor Llamar a Adriana Sanchez (415) 434-3388 ext. 316

El grupo de apoyo esta abierto para residentes en los siguientes condados: Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Marin County, San Francisco County, San Mateo County, Y Santa Clara County. Este grupo de apoyo es estrictamente para cuidadores familiares no para proovedores profesionales.

Go online to complete a brief questionnaire and get a personal dashboard loaded with information that matches your unique caregiving needs. CareNav, our secure online service, offers quality information, support, and resources for family caregivers of adults with chronic physical or cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s, stroke, Parkinson’s, and other illnesses. Try it out today. Click here.

Scammers are exploiting the fear and isolation people are feeling during the COVID-19 shelter-in-place. These criminals may be posing as government officials, bank employees, or health professionals. Their goal is to steal your money and sensitive personal information, including Social Security number, Medicare number, credit card information, and bank account information. This webinar will provide information to help protect you and your loves ones from becoming a victim of these scammers.

A recording can be viewed here. A handout is available in English, Chinese (traditional), Spanish, and Russian.

Medicare is the federal health insurance program primarily for individuals who are 65 or older. This program includes many rights and free services that not all beneficiaries understand. Learning about these rights can help you to advocate for yourself during hospital stays, and communicate more effectively with your care providers. Livanta is a Medicare-contracted Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) that provides help, support and resources for Medicare beneficiaries. A Quality Improvement Organization can help if you need to file an appeal regarding your discharge, have complaints about the quality of care received, or need an advocate to help you obtain the services you’ll need following discharge. This webinar will discuss the many services and resources available at no charge to Medicare beneficiaries.

View a recording here. See the slides here.

This webinar will offer a practical overview of how technology tools may help family caregivers provide care for a frail or ill family member, partner, or friend at home. Technology products like smart phone apps, communication aids, in home sensors, and webcams can help make a home safer and reduce the caregiving workload. The webinar will include information on how to determine what your needs are, the costs of tech tools, privacy considerations, and ease of use.

When: Wednesday, August 19, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. (PT)

Cost: No charge

Registration: Click here

This webinar will provide family caregivers an opportunity to learn the basics of Motivational Interviewing, a proven method for increasing engagement. When practiced by caregivers, Motivational Interviewing can help a care recipient become more active and involved in their health and well-being. Participants will learn practical strategies to help encourage and inspire care recipients to be more physically active, participate in rewarding activities, improve their diet, tidy up around the house, and more.

When: Wednesday, September 30, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon (PT)

Cost: No charge

Registration: Click here

COVID-19 has introduced unexpected and unplanned obstacles for family caregivers, many of whom were already in distress. Shuttered facilities, reduced or suspended treatments, closed community social services, and the worry of exposing vulnerable family and relatives to COVID-19 are some of additional the hurdles now facing caregivers. Eli Cahan writing for Vice News highlights stories of caregivers across the country doing their best under the damages of COVID-19.

Being a family caregiver can be very challenging emotionally, physically, and financially. For many family caregivers, the stress and worry of caregiving would be lessened with financial assistance. Margie Zable Fisher writing for Next Avenue explains some possible methods for caregivers to seek compensation or financial assistance for their caregiving work.

Cuando: Jueves , Septiembre 3, de 12:00 a 1:30 de la tarde.

Costo: gratis

Registracion: oprima aqui

Contacto: Adriana Sanchez, (415) 434-3388 extension 316

This series is comprised of interactive travel activity sessions with each week focusing on a new part of the country or cultural activity, while incorporating storytelling, music, poetry writing, and/or a simple craft. Each session will include a followup message filled with tips, activities, and recipes for families to continue to enjoy after the virtual trip. The focus of each group is to explore a new world, experience a variety of engaging opportunities, and enjoy a sense of camaraderie and community.

Let’s Get Away, Together! is intended to be an enjoyable activity for family caregivers and the person they care for. Those receiving care who are able to participate in the discussion and activities are encouraged to attend with their family caregiver.

September 8—Art Inspired by Nature, Let’s talk about Self Care

We all deserve a moment of joy and self-care. Join us to admire art, nature, and camaraderie!

September 15—Let’s Go to Catalina!

This gorgeous part of the country will be explored through fun facts, live music, and great conversation!

Become inspired through these bucket-list art pieces from around the world!

September 29—Let’s Take a Road Trip; West Coast edition!

This comedic adventure will sure to bring laughs, memories, and spark curiosity in the Golden Coast.

This breathtaking art-inspired trip will brighten your day and warm your soul.

October 13— Let’s explore Music and Sound

Board? Tired? Uninspired? Join us for something NEW to boost your spirits and explore with your friends!

October 20— Let’s Go to Alaska!

Learn something new about our 49th state through breathtaking views, fun facts, and inspiring music.

Let’s celebrate the season of fall, costumes welcomed!! We might even have a contest so think big and have fun preparing!

When: Eight Consecutive Tuesdays, September 8, 15, 22, 29, and October 6, 13, 20, 27, from 1 to 2 p.m. (PT)

Cost: No charge

Registration: Click here

In this FCA class for family caregivers, you’ll have the opportunity to learn tips and strategies for understanding and communicating effectively with someone living with dementia. This class will also cover how to handle difficult behaviors, how dementia impacts a person’s ability to understand and communicate, and how to feel more confident in your caregiving role.

When: Thursday, November 19, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Cost: No charge

Registration: Click here

Scammers are busy exploiting COVID-19 fears to steal from the public. Using phone calls, text messages, letters, email, social media, and fraudulent websites to ensnare their victims. These scammers are selling fake test kits, unproven and dangerous COVID-19 “cures,” and counterfeit personal protective equipment. This webinar will explain the most common COVID-19 scams, include information on healthcare scams and fraud, provide information on consumer warnings and safety tips, and give advice on how to detect and report scams.

When: Wednesday, September 23, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon (PT)

Where: Online

Cost: No charge

Registration: Click here

FCA’s Facebook page offers articles and posts of interest for family caregivers. Please follow our page at www.facebook.com/FamilyCaregiverAlliance.

The entire August 2020 issue is available here.

Published monthly, this e-newsletter focuses on legislation and policy, caregiving research, and media coverage of caregiving issues. The recent, issue is available here. Visit the archive for past issues and click here to subscribe.

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Phone: (800) 445-8106 | Email: info@caregiver.org