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Dear Friends:
When taking on the role and responsibilities of being a caregiver, it is normal that some uncomfortable feelings might surface. Disgust, jealousy, resentment, and anger are some emotions that family caregivers may be embarrassed or even ashamed of feeling (or showing). But ignoring or suppressing these emotions can lead to other physical and mental health problems like poor sleep, stress eating, and substance abuse.
Nobody is perfect. How you honestly feel as a caregiver is important, normal, and valid. When you admit and acknowledge your emotions, you can move forward. You can find productive ways to express yourself, and learn to cope with negative emotions. Caregivers interested in learning more can read our resource, "The Emotional Side of Caregiving." We also encourage caregivers to contact us or visit caregiver.org for additional resources and information.
Sincerely,
Calvin Hu
Education Coordinator
edprograms@caregiver.org
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“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
— Mark Twain
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Caregivers Count! 14th Annual Conference
Designed for families and friends caring for ill, frail, or older adults, Caregivers Count is an inspiring, engaging and resource-rich online conference featuring expert speakers covering a wide range of topics including: Safe & Sound, Creating A Safe Home for Your Loved One; End-of-Life Support for Family Caregivers; Navigating Trauma in Caregiving; and From Stress to Serenity: Self Care & Resiliency.
When: Saturdays, September 14, 21, 28, and October 5, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Registration: click here
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Film Screening: Caregiver — A Love Story
This short award-winning documentary film follows a woman's decision to take control of the end of her life and the unexpected challenges it creates for her caregiver husband. Join us to watch this touching and film and discuss the challenges and joys of caregiving with others.
When: Saturday, August 24 from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Where: Coastside Adult Day Health Center, 925 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Registration: click here
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Take our Survey and Improve Support for Caregivers Like You
By giving a microphone to family caregivers, we’re hoping to raise awareness about their experiences and help turn that awareness into stronger recognition and support for them. You can help us by completing this survey for family caregivers.
This 1-page survey is designed to identify family caregivers who are open to talking with reporters and others about their caregiving stories and experiences. We believe that by sharing their stories, caregivers can help our community members and leaders understand the challenges, rewards and complexities of caregiving. FCA may use these stories to highlight and advance the caregiver cause in our educational programming, advocacy and policy initiatives, and collaborations with other organizations and agencies in formats such as:
- letters to elected officials
- on our website and in promotional materials
- in training videos and other materials
- on our social media channels
- in presentations to government agencies
FCA never sells your contact information — our only goal is to elevate caregiver voices to improve channels of support. Thank you for your help!
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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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Considerations for Young Adult Caregivers
Many young adult caregivers (between 18-40 years old) face unique challenges and have special concerns. Apart from their older caregiving colleagues, young adult caregivers may find themselves in a more strained financial situation being newer in their careers and earning less. They may be struggling to find the time and energy for romantic partners, a recently married spouse, or building a family. Many young caregivers are also juggling time and money for post-high school educational degrees or programs. FCA's fact sheet, "Considerations for Young Adult Caregivers," is a good starting place for those caregivers who are seeking information that addresses their unique caregiving concerns.
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Stroke
Stroke is a type of injury where the brain’s blood supply is interrupted or greatly reduced. Without blood to supply oxygen and nutrients, brain cells die within minutes. A stroke is a medical emergency where every minute counts, and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. FCA's fact sheet on stroke explains the types, symptoms, risk factors, treatment, and after effects of stroke.
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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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How to Care for Yourself as a Caregiver
The responsibilities and work of supporting an ill or injured spouse, partner, family member, or friend can often be crushing to family caregivers. Practicing self care is one way to help ease the burden of caregiving. The New York Time's Louisa Kamps interviews caregiving experts, who provide advice, with each expert highlighting different aspects and tools for self care.
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8 Simple, Safe, Impactful Exercises Caregivers Can Help Loved Ones Do From Bed
Injury, illness, or surgery can mean extended hospital stays and days of bed rest. While needed for recovery and healing, being in bed for long periods can lead to mobility problems. To help a frail adult maintain their balance and mobility, Jessica Blatt Press, writing for AARP, has provided a number of low impact exercises that can be done from bed to help those recovering get back on their feet.
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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.
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.
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June 18th
Let’s Travel Off the Beaten Path Again!
Join us for a journey to a lesser-known country and location!
June 25th
Let’s Explore Summer Traditions, Modern and Ancient!
July 2nd
Let’s Travel to and Explore Australia!
July 9th
Let’s Experience the Greatest Olympic Moments!
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July 16th
Let’s Explore American Artists!
July 23rd
Let’s Travel to Brazil!
July 30th
Let’s Examine Unusual and Creative Patents!
Happy Birthday, United States Patent Office!
August 6th
Let’s Travel to Hawaii!
Join us to celebrate our 50th state’s anniversary month!
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When: Tuesdays, June 18 to August 6, 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.
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Powerful Tools for Caregivers
This free six-part class offers new skills and tools for family caregivers of those with a chronic health condition such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, or stroke. At Powerful Tools, you will learn how to: reduce stress, make difficult caregiving decisions, communicate more effectively during challenging situations, and prevent caregiver burnout.
This class is open to family caregivers in the San Francisco Bay Area.
As each class builds upon previous classes, we require attendance at all six sessions.
When: Six consecutive Fridays, September 13, 20, 27, and October 4, 11, 18,
from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m (PT)
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
Vice President: Karen Sperling
Treasurer: Keely Stevenson
Secretary: Amanda Breeden Warner
Athan Bezaitis, Amber Christ, Deborah Kan, Shruti Kothari, Mary Ellen Kullman, Scott Peifer, Tiffany Riser, Wyatt Ritchie, Marda Stothers, Celine Takatsuno.
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235 Montgomery Street | Suite 930 | San Francisco, CA 94104
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