|
Dear Friends:
Summer is right around the corner. For many, this is a time for outdoor recreational activities and travel. But for family caregivers, Summer can complicate caregiving responsibilities. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are some of the health hazards that may face those in need of care. Those who are older, disabled, or with certain chronic health conditions may be more vulnerable to heat related injuries and illnesses.
To help keep the person you care for safe during the summer, FCA has an article on hot weather tips. You can also find additional resources at National Institutes of Health and CDC. We also hope that during this time you can set aside time for yourself to enjoy summer activities with friends and family.
Sincerely,
Calvin Hu
Education Coordinator
edprograms@caregiver.org
| | |
“Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th.”
— Julie Andrews
| | |
Smart Caregiving by FCA: Support for Young Caregivers
Family caregivers reflect the diversity of the country and their communities. More and more different types of people are taking on the responsibilities of caregiving, including those 40 and under. These caregivers may feel current resources and programs supporting caregivers are not the right fit for younger adults that are establishing families and careers, in training or in higher education. FCA’s new Smart Caregiving post provides resources and guidance that address the unique challenges that younger caregivers face. You can also read other posts in the Smart Caregiving series here.
| | |
FCA Executive Director Kathleen Kelly Panelist on upcoming Town Hall on Aging
The ABC's of Aging Town Hall: Getting Older and Wiser is presented by ABC7 News in partnership with the California Department of Aging. Hosted by Spencer Christian, this town hall gathers experts to answer questions and discuss topics about aging including dementia, caregiving, insurance, and resources for families caring for seniors. You can attend the event in person, via livestream, or watch a recording of the town hall.
When: Tuesday, June 3, 6:30 p.m. (PT)
Where: San Mateo Main Library's Oak Room, 55 W. Third Avenue, San Mateo, CA (RSVP required click here, doors open at 6 p.m.) or via live stream/recording here.
| | |
FCA Partners with Online Caregiver Community
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. This works via an online peer-to-peer support forum and is offered at no charge. This partnership allows FCA to offer family caregivers another tool to better support them during their caregiving journeys.
| | |
2025 Medicare Fraud Prevention Week
Medicare Fraud Prevention Week was established by the Administration for Community Living and the Senior Medicare Patrol Resource Center. The goal of this campaign is to
raise awareness of the actions everyone can take to prevent Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. To get you started, here are three short videos: “3 Tips to Help Prevent Medicare Fraud”: Tips for Beneficiaries, Tips for Families & Caregivers, Tips for Health Care Providers. For more information, please visit Senior Medicare Patrol.
| | |
Building Community: Weekly Support Group for African American Caregivers
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.
| | |
FCA Offers A New 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.
| | |
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.
| | |
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.
| | |
Caregiver Depression: A Silent Health Crisis
Caregiving does not cause depression, nor will everyone who provides care experience the negative feelings that go with depression. But for very logical and understandable reasons, family caregivers are often at a greater risk of living with depression compared to non-caregivers. The emotional and physical experiences involved with providing care can strain even the hardiest person. The resulting feelings of anger, anxiety, sadness, isolation, exhaustion—and then guilt for having these feelings—can exact a heavy toll. This short FCA resource on depression is a good starting point for those who feel they may be at risk or living with depression and provides additional information to those wanting to go more in depth.
| | |
Travel Grants for Family Caregivers via Road Scholar
The responsibilities of caregiving often mean those with an interest in learning, exploring, and travel may find their plans put on hold. For those unable to travel because of financial challenges, Road Scholar is offering caregiver grants of up to $2,000 for eligible travel and learning programs in the United States and Canada. The grant covers all-inclusive programs but does not pay for travel to and from the program’s location. For more information about eligibility, programs offered, and how to apply, please click here.
| | |
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 June events, please click here.
| | |
'More pressure on families.' Nearly half of US states are on the brink of a caregiving emergency
A recent study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health has determined that almost half the country’s states are at a “critical” or “high” risk of not being able to adequately support family caregivers. Madeline Mitchell and Carlie Procell, writing in USA TODAY, report on the crisis and call on experts like FCA’s Client Services Director Christina Irving to explain the issues.
| | |
Gardening Ideas for Different Impairments
Gardening is a hobby enjoyed by millions across the country. While not everyone has the space, time, or money for a large or small garden, if feasible, a garden can serve as a sort of respite for family caregivers and can enhance the quality of life for both caregivers and the person they are caring for. Ellen Ryan writing for Next Avenue interviews Alicia Green of Chicago Botanic Garden on what to plant to increase accessibility to nature for those with vision, hearing or mobility issues, and how a garden can contribute to stress relief for caregivers too.
| | |
CAREGIVERS CONNECT:
FCA EVENTS
| | |
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.
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.
June 3rd - Let’s Travel to Madagascar!
June 10th - Encore - Let’s Explore Breathtaking More Waterfalls!
June 17th - Let’s Travel to Iceland!
June 24th - Let’s Explore the Art Collection at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France!
July 1st - Let’s Experience Independence Days Celebrated Around the World!
July 8th - Encore - Let’s Discover Amazing Natural Wonders All Over the World!
July 15th - Let's Follow the Light and Tales Surrounding Lighthouses!
July 22nd - Encore - Let's Experience More Unusual Instruments!
| | |
When: Tuesdays, June 3 to July 22, from 1 to 2 p.m. (Pacific time)
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.
| | |
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.
| | |
Professional Research Listings
Graduate Student Research Listings
| | |
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!
| | |
CONNECTIONS CREDITS
Editors: Calvin Hu, Al Martinez
Contributors: Kathleen Kelly, Executive Director, Calvin Hu, Ingrid Olivar, Leah Eskenazi
| | |
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
| |
235 Montgomery Street | Suite 930 | San Francisco, CA 94104
| | Follow FCA on social media! | | | | |
