September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s a time when people from across the country recognize and celebrate the culture, achievements, and contributions of Spanish speaking Americans.

FCA supports caregivers with diverse backgrounds including non-English primary languages. FCA’s Spanish-language resources consist of educational materials like fact sheets on caregiving and the coronavirus, hands-on skills, and dementia communication; webinars; and an online class, Caregiving 101. Family caregivers in the San Francisco Bay Area who are interested in our local services, like one-on-one consultations, have the option of speaking with staff bilingual in Spanish and English.

If you’re providing care to an adult family or friend, we’d like to hear your story. Please take a few minutes to share your experience using our online submission form. FCA will use these stories to continue advocating for the services and resources that you and other caregivers rely on. This might include sharing parts of your story in letters to elected officials, on our website, and in FCA printed materials. Please make your submission by October 2.

Click here to read stories shared by other caregivers.

Cuidando 101: La meta de este entrenamiento es identificar lo que es un cuidador, la importancia de ser identificado como cuidador y brindar un entendimiento al participante de el impacto que potencialmente deja en el cuidado de su seres queridos Y en ellos mismos.

Haga clic aquí para obtener una copia electrónica del material de presentación.

Caregiving 101 is for new family caregivers. The goals of this class are to identify and define what a caregiver is, explain the importance of self-identifying as a caregiver, and to provide an understanding of the impact caregiving may leave on the care of a loved ones AND on the caregiver. To view a recording of this class in Spanish, please click here.

FCA is seeking a Community Engagement Specialist. As a part of FCA, you will make a difference by creating effective outreach strategies to reach new clients, promote FCA services to build client engagement, and facilitate collaborative community relationships with peer organizations. Job responsibilities include serving as a liaison to public and private agencies to co-develop outreach and education activities, foster relationships with Bay Area elected officials and their staff on issues important to FCA and caregivers, coordinating speaker requests, and writing articles and tip sheets.

For more information and to apply, click here.

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.

This webinar offers 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 includes information on how to determine what your needs are, the costs of tech tools, privacy considerations, and ease of use.

A recording can be viewed here. Webinar slides and a handout with examples of technology tools are also available.

Wildfires are devastating enormous areas of California, Oregon, and Washington. With little warning, residents are forced to evacuate in the face of fast moving blazes. FCA’s emergency preparedness checklist is a good starting point for those looking to better plan for a sudden disaster or emergency like a wildfire or flood. For long running or ongoing national emergencies, FCA’s article on dementia caregiving during a national emergency may also prove helpful.

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

The restrictions of living under COVID-19 have disrupted many or all facets of daily life. For family caregivers, these new challenges can be extremely difficult to manage. Science journalist and author Tara Haelle writing in a post on Medium outlines some key ideas on living under COVID-19 like uncertainty, ambiguous loss, and grief. The article also gives suggestions on coping and building resilience.

The Veterans Affairs Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) will be expanded to include Vietnam veterans starting October 1. Next Avenue contributor Stephenie Overman explains the benefits of PCAFC, and what family caregiver who are unfamiliar with the program can expect.

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.

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

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.

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

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

The Caregiver Sessions—Two-Part Program for Family Caregivers Living in San Francisco or Alameda Counties

Have you been caring for a loved one at home? Would you like to see a powerful new film, and learn about support and resources for family caregivers like yourself? Join FCA for The Caregiver Sessions, a free two-part program for family caregivers living in San Francisco or Alameda Counties. Part One includes a screening of a short documentary followed by introductions. Part Two will offer practical information and support. If you have any questions about this program contact [email protected].

Please register for both part one and part two:

Monday, October 12, from 7 to 9 p.m. OR Thursday, October 15, from 2 to 4 p.m

Sunday, October 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. OR Thursday, October 22, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Cuidando a alguien que vive con demencia posa retas unicas para cuidadores familiares. Esta clase le proveera un entendimiento basico de la demencia y como afecta al individuo. Demencia 101 tambien incluyira algunos tips para cuidadores en como pueden afrontrar los cambios asociados con la demencia.

Cuando: miércoles, noviembre 18, de 12:00 a 1:30 de la tarde.

Costo: gratis

Registracion: Click here

Contacto: Adriana Sanchez, [email protected], (415) 434-3388 extension 316

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

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 [email protected].

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

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 19: Paying for Care

September 26: Technology Tools

October 3: Reducing Stress and Dealing with Parents and Resistance

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

Where: Online

Cost: No charge

Registration: Click here

This free virtual conference is for Vietnamese speaking families and friends caring for a loved one. The conference includes information on crisis support services, Medi-Cal, and advance directives. Attendees will also have an opportunity to win raffle prizes.

Medi-Cal and Medicare changes

Advance directives and POLST

When: Saturday, September 26, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. (PT)

Where: Online

Cost: No charge

Registration: Click here

Contact: Binh Nguyen, (408) 882-1636

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

The entire September 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: [email protected]

Visit Family Caregiver Alliance’s NEW online solution for secure information, support, and resources for family caregivers of adults with chronic physical or cognitive conditions. FCA CareNav provides a personalized dashboard loa ded with inform ation that matches your unique caregiving needs.

Visit caregiver.org today and JOIN!