|
Dear Friends:
Being a family caregiver can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. For many, much or even most of the physical and emotional challenges would be greatly lessened if money were not a concern: money to pay for regular in-home care, assisted living, and healthcare costs. While this unfortunately is not a reality for most caregivers, being able to get a better handle on managing finances may help lessen overall stress. FCA has a number of resources for caregivers looking for financial advice including: What Every Caregiver Needs to Know About Money, Smart Caregiving by FCA: Can I Get Paid for Caregiving, and Smart Caregiving by FCA: Legal Stuff.
Sincerely,
Calvin Hu
Education Coordinator
edprograms@caregiver.org
| | |
“Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th.”
— Julie Andrews
| | |
Are You Prepared for an Emergency
When disaster strikes family caregivers must act to take care of themselves and the people they care for. If there’s a wildfire nearby, how will you protect someone who can’t safely evacuate on their own? When a citywide power outage plunges you into darkness, how will you keep oxygen flowing, medications cold and medical equipment running? FCA has teamed up with Listos California, a California emergency preparedness initiative, to offer tools and information you need to respond effectively in an emergency. Resources can be found here in addition to an upcoming family caregiver disaster readiness webinar, offered in English and Spanish.
| | |
Caregiving Policy Digest eNewsletter
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.
Please click here to view the latest issue.
| | |
Innovations in Alzheimer’s Caregiving Awards 2024 Scrapbook
The Innovations in Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiving Legacy Awards program
recognizes and rewards organizations that lead the way in addressing the needs of Alzheimer’s caregivers. The 2024 awards include Jewish Family Services, Lorenzo’s House, and California Elder Justice Coalition (CEJC). Please click here to learn more about these award winning organizations, or view the updated Innovations scrapbook.
The awards are made possible by support from The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation and the Bader Philanthropies, Inc.
| | |
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.
| | |
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.
| | |
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.
| | |
Dementia and Driving
When an individual is diagnosed with dementia, one of the first concerns that caregivers face is whether or not that person should drive. Many people associate driving with self-reliance and freedom. Some individuals, recognizing the risks, will limit or stop driving on their own. Others may insist on driving even when it is no longer safe. This short resource provides guidance to caregivers faced with this difficult situation.
| | |
Introducing In-Home Care When Your Loved One Says ‘No’
In-home care can be an effective tool for helping caregivers manage the stress and responsibilities of caregiving. But many care recipients are resistant to strangers coming into their home to assist. The help may be perceived as an invasion of privacy, a loss of independence, or a waste of money. Yet in-home assistance is often critical in offering caregivers a break and time to relax and rejuvenate. This resource provides guidance for making the transition easier.
| | |
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.
| | |
12 Things Caregivers Need to Know About Medicare — and 1 They Wish Would Change
Many older adults find Medicare to be complicated, but when a caregiver is helping an older adult manage their healthcare, this adds even more complexity. Kim Lankford,
writing for AARP, gives guidance and advice for caregivers assisting a family member with Medicare decisions including: understanding what care is and isn't covered, how to appeal a prior authorization or claim denial, and preparing for hospice when the time comes.
| | |
Demystifying Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-term care insurance is for costs not covered by Medicare. While many would appreciate the peace of mind that comes with additional coverage, Long-term care insurance is very expensive and many individuals have lost coverage because they were no longer able to keep up with the increasing premium costs. Next Avenue’s C.D. Moriarty, explains the pros and cons of this insurance product.
| | |
CAREGIVERS CONNECT:
FCA EVENTS
| | |
When Disaster Strikes: How Family Caregivers Can Respond at Home
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, join FCA for a free, disaster-readiness webinar designed specifically for family caregivers. Our California emergency preparedness partner, Listos California, will share vital tips for caregivers supporting people with limited mobility, cognitive impairment or power-dependent medical equipment and refrigerated medication. The presentation will include a live Q&A.
When: Jul 31, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Pacific)
Where: ONLINE
Cost: No charge
Registration: Click here
| | |
Cuando ocurre un desastre: cómo pueden responder los cuidadores familiares en casa (When Disaster Strikes: How Family Caregivers Can Respond at Home)
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.
When: Aug 7, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Pacific)
Where: ONLINE
Cost: No charge
Registration: Click here
| | |
How to prepare your family for emergencies (Cómo preparar a tu familia para emergencias)
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 16, 2025, 10am – noon
Where: Little House, 800 Middle Avenue, Menlo Park
(A second workshop will be held simultaneously in Spanish)
Cost: No charge
Registration: https://bit.ly/EMR0816
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.
Cómo preparar a tu familia para emergencias
TALLER GRATUITO PARA CUIDADORAS FAMILIARES
Prepararse para una emergencia es importante cuando se cuida a un ser querido, incluidos niños pequeños, personas con movilidad limitada y aquellas con desafíos cognitivos. Este taller gratuito le ayudará a mantener a su familia segura:
■ Qué llevar en una mochila de emergencia
■ Planificación de la evacuación
■ Construyendo una red
■ Recursos, guías y más
El cupo es limitado. Por favor, regístrese con anticipación.
When: Sábado, 16 de agosto de 2025, 10am a mediodía
Where: Little House, 800 Middle Avenue, Menlo Park
Cost: No charge
Registration: https://bit.ly/EMR0816
Se realizará simultáneamente un segundo taller en inglés.
También se realizará un taller en inglés el sábado 30 de agosto de 10am a
mediodía en la Biblioteca/Centro de Parques y Recreación de SSF.
Presentado por el 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.
| | |
Dementia 101
Caring for someone living with dementia poses many unique challenges for family caregivers. This class will provide a basic understanding of dementia and how it affects an individual. Dementia 101 will also include some tips for caregivers on how to cope with these changes.
This class is open to family caregivers in the San Francisco Bay Area.
When: Aug 18, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 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.
| | |
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
| | |
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.
| | |
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! | | | | |
