The year is nearly at an end. For everyone, it's been a very trying time. Family caregivers from coast to coast have done what they always do, roll up their sleeves, do the best they can, and try to make the impossible possible. Many months into the COVID-19 crisis, a vaccine has been approved and we all hope for a gradual return to normal.

No matter what the future holds, FCA is here for you and will be here for you. For all the staff and Board of Directors at FCA, I'd like to wish everyone a safe holidays, and a very Happy New Year.

FCA's mission is to improve the quality of life for family caregivers and for those who receive their care. This year has been especially difficult for caregivers due to the disruptions and hardships of COVID-19. To help family caregivers meet the challenges of these unprecedented times, FCA has hosted 20 educational events focusing on COVID-19 and caregiving including multipart classes, workshops, webinars, and virtual travel series. Our direct support services like counselling and consultations continue by phone, email, via CareNav and video call. FCA would be grateful for your donation this holiday season, so we can continue to support and advocate for family caregiver across the country.

When I'm 64 is a Stanford Center on Longevity podcast that brings together family caregivers and experts on topics related to the challenges of caregiving. The episode "It's a Little Bit Funny" focuses on how humor can bond people together during the difficult caregiving journey. The episode's guests include caregiver, author and comedian Dani Klein Modisett; clinical psychologist and family therapist Barry J. Jacobs; and FCA Clinical Services Director and Family Consultant Christina Irving.

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.

Five Things to Know About COVID-19 Vaccine Scams

Now that a COVID-19 vaccine has been approved, everyone should be on alert for scams targeting the public. AARP shares five tips on how to avoid falling victim to such scams including not purchasing a vaccine dose on the internet, and following the advice of trusted sources like a family doctor or local health department. 

The California Caregiver Resource Centers (CRC) serve families and caregivers of adults affected by chronic and debilitating health conditions (FCA is the San Francisco Bay Area CRC). FCA is now hosting a calendar of classes, workshops, and events compiled from each of the 11 CRCs and open to family caregivers across the country.

To view a list of CRC offerings in January, please click here.

Choosing hospice for yourself or a loved one can be a challenging task. The team from The Heart of Hospice will share ways to choose an agency that’s a good fit and what to expect from your care team. The presentation will also debunk myths about hospice care and educate you about how to navigate the end-of-life experience. Participants will learn about: hospice myths and misinformation; how to choose a hospice agency; rights of the patient and caregiver; and learn about the hospice interdisciplinary team.

When: Wednesday, January 27, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon (PT)

Where: ONLINE

Cost:  No Charge

Contact: Calvin Hu, chu@caregiver.org, (415) 434-3388 

Registration:  Click here

There are over 40 million family caregivers in the country, and that number is expected to increase in the coming years. The New York Times journalist Tara Parker-Pope has written a short guide with helpful tips and guidance for those just starting their caregiving journey. The article includes advice from FCA Clinical Services Director and Family Consultant Christina Irving.

COVID-19 has cast a shadow over this year, and will now potentially do the same for the holidays. But there are still ways to preserve holiday cheer in 2020. AARP caregiving Expert Amy Goyer explains how to adjust and rethink holiday traditions to be able to celebrate while balancing the desire to keep everyone safe.

This series is comprised of interactive travel activity sessions with each week focusing on a new place or cultural activity, while incorporating storytelling, music, poetry writing, and/or a simple craft. Each session will include a follow-up 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.

Embrace the surprising marvels and cultural traditions found in the Earth’s coldest places.

How do you ring in the New Year? Travel with us around the world in anticipation of 2021!

Learn about and hear snippets of well-known classical music throughout history.

Calling all art lovers! Explore the season through the eyes of artists!

Cold? Let's head to warmer climates! Join us as we head to the tropics in January!

When: Tuesdays, December 22, 29, and January 5, 12, 19, from 1 to 2 p.m. (PT)

Cost: No charge

Registration: Click here

Caregiving 101 — Save the Date

The goal of this class is to identify what a caregiver is, the importance of being identified as a caregiver, and to provide the participant with an understanding of the impact they potentially leave on the care of their loved ones AND themselves.

When: February 10, from 2 to 3:15 p.m. (PT)

Where: Online

Cost: No charge

Contact: Calvin, chu@caregiver.org

The entire December 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.

Your donation makes all the difference!

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