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Vol. 16, No. 9
September 2025
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Dear Friends:
The coming of fall signals the not so distant start of the holiday season. Many family caregivers experience increased stress due to holiday obligations. However, planning well ahead of time may help minimize these challenges. FCA has a number of resources to assist you on topic including: holiday stress, family dynamics, gratitude, and guided audio caregiver relaxation exercises. We also hope you are able to practice self-care during the mild and pleasant fall weather.
Sincerely,
Calvin Hu
Education Coordinator
edprograms@caregiver.org
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“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
— Aesop
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Innovations in Alzheimer’s Caregiving Awards 2025 Application Period Is Open
The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation, RRF Foundation for Aging, and FCA are pleased to announce that the application period is now open for the Innovations in Alzheimer’s Caregiving Awards 2025. The awards recognize organizations that are delivering dynamic programs that are addressing the needs of family and friend caregivers and those they care for with Alzheimer’s disease or a related condition.
Applications must be submitted by October 20, 2025 at 8 p.m. Pacific Time. Please note: The application period will not be extended beyond this date.
Three awards of $20,000 each will be given in the following categories: Creative Expression, Increasing Access and Reducing Stigma, and Public Policy.
Review our online application form and submit your program. Click here to view application FAQs.
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Improving Practice: New Training to Support Diverse Family Caregivers
Family caregivers are essential partners in care, yet their needs often go unrecognized — especially when cultural, linguistic, and social differences shape their caregiving experience. Health care workers and social workers are on the front lines of supporting these caregivers, and having the right skills and awareness can make all the difference.
To meet this need, FCA is proud to present the course “Improving Practice: Working with Diverse Family Caregivers.” This online training helps professionals deepen their understanding of diverse caregiving realities and adopt practical strategies to better support all families.
This four-hour, self-paced course is designed for all professionals who work with family caregivers, with special relevance for social workers. It is available in two versions: Free Version-- Open to all professionals at no cost & NASW-Approved CEU Version for 4 continuing education contact hours (nominal administrative fee).
This training is funded by CalGrows, an initiative of the California Department of Aging, dedicated to strengthening the caregiving workforce and improving services for all families.
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Take Action Today and Become a Member of the CA Coalition on Family Caregiving!
The California Coalition on Family Caregiving, led by Family Caregiver Alliance, is a dynamic coalition of caregivers and service providers working towards meaningful changes for family caregivers. By joining, you help champion initiatives that improve the lives of caregivers and ensure that caregivers, like yourself, receive the recognition and support they deserve.
As a member, you'll be sent the latest news and be given simple steps and automated tools to support you and to ensure that your needs—and the needs of millions of others—are heard by those making decisions that impact you and your care recipient.
Join Today
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Cuando ocurre un desastre: cómo pueden responder los cuidadores familiares en casa
Recibirás una alerta en tu teléfono: Hay un incendio forestal extendiéndose cerca. ¿Cómo protegerás a alguien que no puede evacuar por si solo de forma segura? O sin aviso, un corte de energía en toda la ciudad deja a su vecindario en oscuridad. ¿Como mantener el flujo de oxigeno, los medicamentos fríos y el equipo medico en funcionamiento?
Para obtener respuestas a estas preguntas y mas, únase a FCA para un seminario web gratuito sobre preparación ante desastres diseñado específicamente para cuidadores familiares. Listo California, nuestro socio de preparación en California, compartirá consejos clave para los cuidadores que apoyan a personas con movilidad reducida, deterioro cognitivo o que dependen de la energía para el uso de equipo medico y medicamentos refrigerados. La presentación incluirá una sesión de preguntas y respuestas en vivo.
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Doughnut Disaster Festival (Crockett, California)
Did you know that Crockett/Port Costa/Rodeo are at the intersection of a potential poly-Disaster? This Disaster Festival is a theatrical educational and logistical experience (for all ages) to build a local phone tree (asset/needs mapping), identify community members for a CERT+ program, and practice strategies in the case of an actual emergency.
We in Crockett, and our neighbors, understand that living along the Carquinez Strait means facing potential challenges like sea level rise, coastal flooding, extreme heat, wildfires, and seismic hazards. This festival is our proactive response, transforming potential anxieties into collective strength and joyful learning.
Saturday, October 11, from 8 AM to 11 PM (Crockett, California)
Registration: https://luma.com/tyzfpgd6
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Building Community: Weekly Support Group for African American Caregivers (San Francisco Bay Area)
Despite disproportionate stress experienced by African American caregivers in our culture, support services designed for this community are few and far between. That’s why Family Caregiver Alliance is excited to announce our African American support group.
This recurring online gathering will be hosted by FCA Family Consultant Norell Wheeler, MPH / MBH, and will provide a safe space for caregivers to build community, discuss caregiving topics, and share healing self-care practices.
When: 2025 schedule runs March 4 – April 1; May 6 – June 3; July 8 -August 5; September 9– October 7; November 11 – December 9
Who: San Francisco Bay Area family caregivers of Black/African descent who care for someone with adult onset neurodegenerative disorder or who have a chronic health condition and are over the age of 60.
Registration is ongoing. Visit the FCA Support Groups page to learn more.
Men, women, non-gendered and trans individuals are all welcome.
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FCA Offers Program For Caregivers of People With Dementia
For those facing the challenges of dementia, FCA and Tembo Health have partnered to deliver comprehensive dementia care directly to family caregivers’ homes through the CMS GUIDE Model. It’s free for those with traditional Medicare.
The innovative GUIDE Model (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) is designed to transform dementia care, by focusing on a person-centered approach that empowers individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
GUIDE offers: comprehensive care planning, caregiver support, access to critical services (like respite care, transportation, and home modifications), and peace of mind.
To learn more about the GUIDE program and schedule a complimentary consultation click here.
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Get Your Own Personalized Caregiving Resource Dashboard
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.
To learn more, click here or register here.
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Taking Care of YOU: Self-Care for Family Caregivers
Self-care is an important, and often overlooked, aspect of caregiving. Practicing self-care will help with mental, emotional, and physical health and will also benefit the person for whom you are providing care. Reading Taking Care of YOU is a useful first step in practicing self-care. Some of the topics covered in this fact sheet include identifying personal barriers, reducing stress, seeking goals, and starting to exercise.
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Dental Care (for dementia)
Dental hygiene is important for overall health. Poor dental hygiene may lead to heart disease, gingivitis, stroke, osteoporosis, and respiratory disease. Inadequate dental hygiene can also affect one’s ability to eat, chew, and talk. This short resource provides information on how dementia caregivers can assist and help maintain dental health.
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How to Sleep Well
High quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. Family caregivers may find themselves in difficult situations if the person they care for requires frequent care even at night. While this challenge may not be easily managed, there are other small steps that can aid in getting a good night’s sleep.
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Caregiver Resource Center Classes
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.
For more information on September events, please click here.
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Vacation? I Choose Home!
“I am a caregiver, and I never thought I would say this: I am so happy not to take a vacation. What used to mean rest and escape now feels impossible—the packing, the medications, the canes, the diapers, the constant worry. It isn’t a break. It’s more work.”
For many family caregivers, vacations and outings often bring more stress than relief, while home becomes a place of comfort, safety, and small joys. Click here to read this post by FCA partner Smart Patient.
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Hospice Myths and Realities Explained
Hospice is a specific kind of care for patients approaching the end of life and focuses on comfort, not on seeking cure. Hospice becomes an option when there are no further treatments available, or the treatments’ side effects, pain, and suffering are overwhelming and will not contribute to a cure.
Hospice is often misunderstood, so Next Avenue’s Ellen Ryan, has written an article discussing the myths related to hospice.
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CAREGIVERS CONNECT:
FCA EVENTS
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Let’s Get Away, Together!
This series is comprised of interactive 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.
-August 12th – Let’s Experience a Great Summer Road Trip!
-August 19th – Let’s Dive In to Experience the Beauty of Coral Reefs!
-August 26th – Let’s Discover What is Living Through the Lens of a Microscope!
-September 2nd – Encore – Let’s Return to the Vastness of Our Universe!
-September 9th – Let’s Take a Look at Some of the Latest Archaeological Digs!
-September 16th – Let’s Learn What to Watch for During the Autumnal Equinox!
-September 23rd – Let’s Explore the Parks in Utah!
-September 30th – Let’s Migrate with Some Magnificent Animals!
When: Tuesdays, August 12 to September 30th | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Pacific)
Where: ONLINE
Cost: No charge
Registration: Click here
This class is funded by Alameda County Department of Adult and Aging Services, Contra Costa County Area Agency on Aging, the City of San Francisco’s Department of Disability and Aging Services, San Mateo County Aging and Adult Services, Sourcewise, and the California Department of Aging.
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Caregiving Policy Digest is a publication of the National Center on Caregiving, a program of Family Caregiver Alliance. The newsletter offers a fresh look at the rapidly changing world of caregiving policy―at the local, national, and international levels.
You’ll receive briefings on key legislation, news on innovative public programs, and the latest information on caregiving and long-term care policy at national and state levels. Subscribe here.
Click here to view archived issues of Policy Digest.
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Professional Research Listings
Graduate Student Research Listings
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Thank you!
We would like to take a moment to extend a warm thank you to the many generous supporters who make the work we do possible through thoughtful donations to Family Caregiver Alliance.
FCA has led the way in supporting family caregivers for over 40 years. Your donation makes all the difference!
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CONNECTIONS CREDITS
Editors: Calvin Hu, Al Martinez
Contributors: Kathleen Kelly, Executive Director, Calvin Hu, Ingrid Olivar, Leah Eskenazi
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Ian Tong
First Vice President: Karen Sperling
Second Vice President: Deborah Kan
Treasurer: Keely Stevenson
Secretary: Amanda Warner
Amber Christ, Shruti Kothari, Mary Ellen Kullman, Sarita Mohanty, Ambika Pajjuri, Tiffany Riser, Wyatt Ritchie, Marda Stothers
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235 Montgomery Street | Suite 930 | San Francisco, CA 94104
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