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Vol. 16, No. 8
August 2025
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Dear Friends:
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a blow or jolt to the head results in damage to the brain. An estimated 2.5 million people in the U.S. sustain a traumatic brain injury annually and these can be life-changing for survivors, families and caregivers. TBI may be caused by injuries suffered during combat, workplace accidents, and also mundane events like hitting your head on the frame of your car when getting out. A TBI can be mild or severe, which can result in short- or long-term disability. For caregivers, FCA has a number of resources including Traumatic Brain Injury, Coping with Behavior Problems after Brain Injury, and Traumatic Brain Injury – CA Resources.
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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Smart Caregiving by FCA: Long-Distance Caregiving
Whether your parents live an hour away or across the country, knowing if they need help is not always clear-cut. Learning more about their situation can empower you to respond more productively when they ask for help or when an emergency or health crisis prompts your assistance.
Fs new Smart Caregiving resource includes information on identifying your concerns, having a conversation, planning ahead, community resources, and your role as a long-distance caregiver.
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Disaster Preparedness for Family Caregivers (webinar recording)
You get an alert on your phone: There’s a wildfire spreading nearby. How will you protect someone who can’t safely evacuate on their own? Or, without warning, a citywide power outage plunges your neighborhood into darkness. How will you keep oxygen flowing, medications cold and medical equipment running? For answers to these questions and more, watch this, disaster-readiness webinar designed specifically for family caregivers.
Our California emergency preparedness partner, Listos California, shares vital tips for caregivers supporting people with limited mobility, cognitive impairment or power-dependent medical equipment and refrigerated medication.
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Innovations in Alzheimer’s Caregiving Awards Application Period Opens Soon
The Innovations in Alzheimer’s Caregiving Awards recognize and reward organizations that lead the way in addressing the needs of Alzheimer’s caregivers by responding to a community need with a program or project that focuses primarily on family caregivers of adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. One award of $20,000 will be given in each of the following three categories: Creative Expression, Increasing Access and Reducing Stigma, and Public Policy.
Eligible organizations include not for profit and tribal organizations, government agencies, and universities operating within the continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii. Support for family/informal caregivers need not be the primary mission of the organization, agency, or university.
Please stay tuned for the opening of the application process, to be announced soon.
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When Dementia Distorts Reality, Love Bends With It
One of the most challenging aspects that dementia caregivers can face is managing and navigating the fractured reality of a person living with dementia. Is it better to always be truthful, or instead to engage in an alternate reality distorted by dementia? This question was recently discussed in a Smart Patients conversation, which you can read about here.
Smart Patients is an online community where patients and their families affected by a variety of illnesses learn from each other about treatments, challenges, and how it all fits into the context of their experience. FCA has partnered with Smart Patients as an additional resource to provide support to caregivers. Click here to join.
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San Francisco Caregivers Share Your Input With the City on how to Improve Services
The San Francisco Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS) needs your input to improve services for older adults, adults with disabilities, veterans, and caregivers. Tell us what our community needs most. Your opinions count.
Ways to participate:
Share your input and enter a raffle to win a $50 gift card. Multiple winners will be selected at each forum and after the survey closes!
Take the 10-minute survey by Tuesday, September 30
It’s available in 10 languages: English, عربي, 中文, 日本語, 한국어, русский, Samoa, Español, Filipino, Tiếng Việt. Take the survey now.
Join a community forum in person or online
Sign up to attend a forum using the registration form
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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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Questions to Ask when Considering Surgery for a Person with Dementia
Being a dementia caregiver can mean taking on the serious responsibility of making all healthcare decisions for the person you care for. If you are facing a decision about surgery for someone with dementia, there are many things to consider and questions to ask. First, to be able to make any medical decisions for a person with dementia, you need to have the legal documents that authorizes you to make medical decisions. This resource covers questions and considerations before you make a decision.
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What if Something Happens to Me?
Being a caregiver can range from occasional emotional support or grocery trips only, to managing nearly every aspect of a person’s life. For those caregivers with very serious or involved caregiving tasks like toileting, wound care, or medication management, being ill or incapacitated as a caregiver can be a major issue. This FCA resource gives guidance and information so that you can plan continuity of care if you find yourself unable to manage your caregiving responsibilities.
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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 August events, please click here.
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12 Ways for Family Caregivers to Deal with Their Toughest Days
Family caregivers often face financial, emotional, and physical strain and stress related to their caregiving responsibilities. Being a caregiver can also often mean having to endure very difficult situations. Bruce Horovitz writing for AARP shares advice on how to bounce back after a particularly frustrating, challenging, or draining day of caregiving.
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Home Renovations to Safely Age in Place
Most adults want to age in place (living at home as you age). But with older age come challenges that can be mitigated by some small and large home renovations. Kate Daniel writing for NextAvenue, explains some of these modifications like using grab bars and non-slip flooring in showers, adding lights to brighten the home, and incorporating assistive technologies.
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CAREGIVERS CONNECT:
FCA EVENTS
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How to prepare your family for emergencies
FREE WORKSHOPS FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS
Preparing for an emergency is important when you’re caring for a loved one, including young children, people with limited mobility, and those with cognitive challenges. This free workshop will help you keep your family safe:
■ What to pack in a Go Bag
■ Evacuation planning
■ Building a network
■ Resources, guides, and more
Space is limited –please register in advance
When: Saturday, August 30, 2025, 10am – noon
Where: SSF Library / Parks & Recreation Center, 901 Civic Campus Way, South San Francisco
Cost: No charge
Registration: https://bit.ly/EMR0830
Presented by the San Mateo County Caregivers Collaborative. Members include Alzheimer’s Association, Catholic Charities Adult Day Services, Coastside Adult Day Health Center, Edgewood Kinship Support Services, Family Caregiver Alliance, Kimochi, Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County, Mission Hospice & Home Care, Rosener House Adult Day Services, San Mateo Public Authority, Seniors at Home, and South San Francisco Adult Day Care Center.
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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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Caregivers Count! 15th Annual Conference
Caregivers Count Conference is an annual event designed for families and friends caring for their loved ones. Conference features professional speakers covering wide ranging topics to support caregivers. Past conference topics have included in home support services, compassion fatigue, advocacy, caregiving info, etc.
Sept. 6, 2025 – 10am to 12pm (virtual)
Session 1: Seven Questions About Transitions That Worry Caregivers
Presented by Barry J. Jacobs, PsyD and Julia L. Mayer, PsyD
Sept. 13, 2025 – 10am to 12pm (virtual)
Session 2: Tailoring Care and Support Transitions
Presented by Vanessa Souza, LCSW
Sept 20, 2025 – 10am to 12pm (in-person)
Session 3: Care Transitions and Technology – 2 Panel Discussions
- Bridging the Tech Divide: Empowering Caregivers with Digital Tools and Practical Low-Tech Solutions – Presented by Trinh D. Nguyen
- In-Home and Residential Care – Presented by Dedra Jize
When: September 6, 13, 20, 10am to 12pm (Pacific)
Where: ONLINE and
Campbell Community Center
Roosevelt Room Q-80, 1 W. Campbell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008
Cost: No charge
Registration: Click here
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靜觀感恩體驗小組 (粵語進行) Mindfulness and Gratitude Experiential Group
靜觀感恩體驗小組 (粵語進行)
內容：
你是否因照顧家人而感到身心俱疲? 時間不足? 感到壓力? 做事好像提不起勁?
研究顯示，靜觀能緩和壓力、穩定情緒、提高免疫機能及改善人際關係。
陳姑娘誠意邀請你參加靜觀感恩體驗小組。透過小組的體驗及互動的交流，你能了解及掌握靜觀和感恩的技巧，並在日常生活實踐靜觀和感恩的生活態度，提升情緒健康，增加正能量，讓你的人生過得更稱心如意!
日期：9/18- 10/23/2025（逢星期四，共六堂）
時間：上午9:15-10:15
報名：https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/w86wkq4
導師簡介-陳麗君：
陳姑娘於香港從事社會工作者十多年，熱衷於探索及提升個人情緒健康，期盼能為大家分享多年來的學習體會，攜手一起創造美滿人生
備註：
請於小組期間，安排一個讓你能較集中及較少干擾的參與空間
於小組進行其間，請開啟鏡頭，並於分享時開啟收音裝置，以便進行交流
建議鏡頭能穩固地放於枱上，你可選擇坐在椅子上或有地毯/毛巾墊的地上。請留意，不建議坐於沙發上進行小組活動
如有任何問題，請致電(415) 528 3883 /電郵至：qchan@caregiver.org
Mindfulness and Gratitude Experiential Group (In Cantonese)
Content:
Are you feeling physically and mentally exhausted from caregiving? Don’t have enough time for yourself? Stressed? Little interest or pleasure in doing things?
Queenie sincerely invites you to join the Mindfulness and Grateful Experiential group. You can learn mindfulness and grateful skills from the group and practice your learnt skills in your daily life.
Research findings showed that practicing mindfulness can lessen a person’s pressure, improve emotional stability, immune system and interpersonal relationships.
By practicing gratefulness and mindfulness, you can gain internal peace, boost your positive energy and live in a satisfying life!
Date：9/18- 10/23/2025 (6 Thursdays)
Time：9:15-10:15am
Registration：https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/w86wkq4
Introduction of Tutor – Queenie Lai-Kwan CHAN：
Queenie worked as a social worker in Hong Kong for over ten years. She is passionate about understanding and improving mental health. She hopes to share her years of learning experience with everyone and work together to create a happy life.
Remarks:
Before participation, please arrange a space where you can be more focused and have less distractions.
To facilitate communication among the group process, please turn on the camera and turn on microphone when sharing.
It is recommended that your camera can be placed stably on a table/desk and you can sit on a chair or on the floor with a carpet/towel mat. Please note that it is not recommended to sit on the sofa/ couch for group activities
For any questions, please call (415) 528 3883 / e-mail to: qchan@caregiver.org
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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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