Upcoming Events

• Mug Club Caregiver Support Group - Wednesday, May 10, 2023.
• Virtually: 10 - 11 a.m. If you've never joined virtually and need help getting set up with WebEx, let me know ASAP so we can get you set up to join us.
• In-Person: 5:30 - 7 p.m. Here at ADRC, 300 S. Adams St. If you are new to joining us in person, know that since the agency is closed at this hour, the doors will be locked. Please ring the doorbell and we will let you in.

• Limited-Term Support Group: When Relationships Change While Caregiving - Are you struggling to make sense of your changing relationship while caregiving? Even though your loved one is still very much alive, you could be grieving. This is sometimes referred to as Ambiguous Loss. This type of loss is different from loss and grief of death because closure is not possible, and your grief cannot be fully resolved while the person you are caring for is still living. We will be piloting this group session starting May 23, and we have a full class already BUT, we are still gauging interest to see if there are enough caregivers to schedule a second session. During this time, we will discuss a variety of losses and grief caregivers experience during their caregiving journey and how we can work through it while being kind to ourselves.

This group will be led by James Jozwiak, MSW, APSW & Brittany Maas, MSW, APSW, from Foundations Counseling. If we have enough caregivers express an interest, we will announce the dates for a second class later. The class would be here at ADRC. If you're interested, email or call Teri Bradford to get on the waitlist: (920) 448-4320. This will be a small group, with a maximum of 10 caregivers, so you are encouraged to express your

• Share Your Story: Caring for Wisconsin Family Caregivers - Are you one of the nearly 600,000 family caregivers in Wisconsin? In addition to caregiving, do you also work full or part-time? Have you left the workforce or reduced work hours (or turned down promotions) due to your caregiving responsibilities? Are you juggling caregiving, work, and raising your own family? Are you spending money out of your own pocket to help meet the needs of your loved one? Are you eligible or the state Family and Medical Leave program? If yes, can you afford to use the unpaid leave program if you have no paid sick or vacation time left? Are you unable to find respite care? Can you afford to pay for respite care? How has caregiving (or needing a caregiver) impacted your life - home, work, personal health, finances, and family?

Once created, please send to Teri and she will get your story to Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources (GWAAR). Thank you for considering to share your experience. Five Steps to Creating Powerful Personal Testimony

• Advance Directives for Healthcare and Beyond - Thursday, May 18, 2023, 10 - 11:30 a.m. In person at ADRC. It's always too soon before it's too late. All too often, individuals and their families are not prepared to face serious illnesses, accidents, or end of life for a loved one. Experts help you document your personal wishes for healthcare for use at a time when you can't speak for yourself. If your healthcare wishes are not documented, our experts will help you take the next step. Call us at (920) 448-4300 to register.

• Survival Coalition Survey - The Survival Coalition needs your help to put a real face on the dire impacts the caregiver crisis is having. it is critical that policymakers hear personal stories from across the state on the impacts the caregiver crisis is having on people with disabilities, older adults, and family caregivers filling in gaps. They also need to hear from care workers who are being driven from the profession by low pay and no benefits. The goal of the survey is to share your stories directly with policymakers as they craft the state budge and with the media to draw attention to the crisis. Please complete the survey here.

• Ask Dr. Tam Questions - Tuesday, May 2, 2023, 1 - 2 p.m. Experts from around the country share information important to caregivers. Caregivers will have the opportunity to ask questions as well as hear from other caregivers. More information and registration.

• Self-Care and Mindfulness - Monday, May 8, 2023, 12 - 1 p.m. Experts from around the country share information important to caregivers. Caregivers will have the opportunity to ask questions as well as hear from other caregivers. More information and registration.
• Other Wellmed Foundations Presentations

• Rejuvenate! Caregiving in Bloom - Tuesday, June 13, 2023. An evening for caregivers and the people they care for in the gardens. Learn more.

• Save the Date: Wednesday, June 14 Mug Club - in person at Options for Independent Living (555 Country Club Rd.) Josh is saving the patio for us!