Introducing new classes and events for family caregivers, their care recipients and providers:

CLASSES & EVENTS

• Dementia 101 — Feb 25. This class provides a basic understanding of dementia and how it affects an individual, as well as tips for caregivers on how to cope with these changes. Full info and registration here. 
• Let's Get Away, Together! — Feb 25, Mar 4. Join us for our last two sessions of this popular virtual travel series as we explore Brazil and often-overlooked countries! Full info and registration here.
• You're Note Alone: Managing Feelings of Sadness — Feb 27. This webinar gives information about depression and reviews coping skills. The presentation also introduces CBT triangle and engages participants in completing a worksheet that explores maladaptive thinking. Full info and registration here. 
• Ambiguous Loss and Anticipatory Grief — Mar 5. Ambiguous loss and anticipatory grief can occur when there is a sense of loss and uncertainty. Caregivers often experience them while providing care, before a person dies. Join us to learn more about these types of grief and the tools for helping navigate them. Full info and registration here.
• Navegar y Comprension de el programa IHSS! — Mar 17. Stay tuned for upcoming details on a class (in Spanish) on In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). Full info and registration will be on our calendar. Class will be held on Zoom at this invite URL and is led by Disability Rights California.
• Dementia-Friendly Movie Experience in the San Francisco Bay Area: Hairspray! — Mar 18, 1:30pm at the Fox Theater in Redwood City. Join FCA and community partners for this dementia-friendly film screening. While the event is not exclusively for people with dementia, it is especially well-suited for individuals affected by dementia and must be accompanied by either their partners, family members, or professional caregivers. Please see other important notes on the registration page. Admission is FREE and one small popcorn per person will be provided. Full info and registration here. This special event is presented by FCA, San Mateo County Aging & Adult Services, the Alzheimer’s Association, Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County, Inc., and The Fox Theater.
• There Must Be a Better Way Than This! — Mar 27. This 2-hour class helps caregivers understand dementia and the challenging behaviors that can accompany it. Participants will come away with strategies to cope with these behaviors and better communicate with their care recipient. Full info and registration here. 
• SAVE THE DATE! Stay tuned for upcoming details on a class (in Cantonese) on mindfulness in April. Full info and registration will be on our calendar.

All classes are free. Bookmark our calendar to stay up to date on upcoming classes, webinars and events.

We’re happy to announce that CEU credits are now available for our new training series, Improving Practice: Working with Diverse Family Caregivers. This comprehensive four-hour online course explores challenges experienced by diverse family caregivers and discusses practical strategies to better support them. The series includes three modules featuring 17 lessons, 21 videos, 4 case studies, and downloadable resources. Developed with CalGrows funding from the California Department of Aging, this training is offered free of charge to all professionals working with family caregivers. Please note there is a fee for those seeking CEUs.

FCA has partnered with Tembo Health to launch the GUIDE program, offering comprehensive dementia care support at no cost for those with traditional Medicare. Each family receives a dedicated care team and personal navigator while maintaining access to existing FCA services. GUIDE provides personalized support with education and coaching, care coordination for specialist care, and 24/7 clinical care access to doctors for emergencies. For eligible families, this includes up to $2,500 in respite.



Eligible participants must have dementia, traditional Medicare coverage (not Medicare Advantage), and live outside of nursing homes or hospice/PACE programs.

The latest installment in our Smart Caregiving Series addresses a critical caregiver question: "My family member's health is declining. What legal stuff should I know?" This practical resource provides guidance on essential legal planning, including estate planning, financial preparation, and important documents. This one-pager helps caregivers navigate key legal considerations while their care recipients can still participate in decision-making.

Starting last month, California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) and Disability Insurance (DI) Benefits increased wage replacement to 90% of regular wages for low to middle-income workers taking time off to care for ill family members. This expansion covers care for parents, children, spouses, registered domestic partners, grandparents, grandchildren, parents-in-law, and siblings. Previously, the program provided 60-70% wage replacement during family caregiving leave.

ATI Advisory is conducting an important survey to identify initiatives supporting middle-income older adults and people with disabilities aging in their communities. This research will inform the California Department of Aging's Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Financing Initiative, aimed at improving LTSS affordability. Share your insights about programs and policies making a difference in your community. Complete the brief survey by February 28, 2025.

We respect your inbox, so we send our Provider e-News Update out every 1-2 months. But between issues, we are still hosting and sharing plenty of activities, classes, webinars and new resources for caregivers.

Stay in the know by following us on any or all of our social media channels — and be sure to share them with others who can benefit!

... and while you're here — sign up for our Connections e-newsletter (designed for family and friend caregivers), ¿Que Pasa? boletin (our e-newsletter for Spanish-speaking caregivers), and our Caregiving Policy Digest newsletter (caregiving policy at the local, national and international levels).