Part of Elderwerks Veterans Week: Chris Petrik walks you through how to navigate communication between yourself and a loved one.

Part of Elderwerks Veterans Week: Join Arlene Schiff as she guides you through the importance caring for yourself as you care for others.

Let's talk about what causes the stress of caregiving, how to identify that you’re under considerable strain, and how it not only affects you both mentally or physically, but how it affects your caregiving skills. Learn some techniques to de-stress, and reinforce that it is OK to take care of yourself, while taking care of others!

Caregivers may be paid to be in this research study. PERSEVERE is a national study funded by the National Institutes of Health, led by Dr. Jori Fleisher at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL, which is testing an educational program for family caregivers of people with Parkinson’s Disease with cognitive impairment, Parkinson’s Disease Dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, or Lewy Body Dementia. PERSEVERE will test whether a disease-specific, caregiver-centered educational intervention improves caregiver knowledge, confidence, strain, and health outcomes – and whether it helps people living with Parkinson’s Disease Dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, or Lewy Body Dementia, too.

You may have been providing care for years to someone who’s mental or physical health is deteriorating or, because of something unexpected such as a stroke or accident, you have been thrust suddenly into hands-on care. You may be feeling exhausted and isolated, completely caught up in caregiving tasks, with no life of your own. Rather than receiving support from family and friends, you may feel pressure.

Caregiving for and understanding a person living with dementia can be difficult. Organization, structure, and accepting help will get you through it.

The diagnosis of dementia is a call-to-action, but not being prepared and unfamiliar in the role can cause havoc on your personal mental and physical health. In this program, we will talk about what causes the stress of caregiving for a person living with dementia, how to identify that you’re under considerable strain, and how it not only affects you both mentally or physically, but how it affects your caregiving skills. Learn some techniques to de-stress, and reinforce that it is OK to take care of yourself, while taking care of others! Presented on May 11, 2023 by Chris Petrik, RN, BS, DCCS-CI, Director of Education, Dementia Reality Master Trainer, Elderwerks Educational Services

Skilled nursing facilities and senior communities, when in lock-down, do not let the public in. However, if you are an essential caregiver, you may be the exception.

Finding a caregiver is a difficult and an emotional task. Operating under stressful conditions causes many people to hire individuals or acquaintances to help care for their loved one at home, rather than bringing in a qualified agency.

Learn how to move forward and maintain your own identity while taking care of a loved one. Presented by Cori Moschberger, Therapist and Clinical Coordinator of Senior Services at Barrington Behavioral Health & Wellness. Presented on February 15, 2021 at the Caregiver Symposium.

Dementia Live offers a unique inside-out understanding of dementia and aging. Participants will gain a heightened awareness of the challenges faced by those who live with dementia. Learn valuable tips and tools to improve communication and care. Presented by Julie Boggess, LNHA, CDP, Certified Master Trainer, AGE-u-Cate Training Institute. Presented on February 15, 2021 at the Caregiver Symposium.

Learn care techniques so your loved ones can enjoy maximum independence with the level of support he or she needs. Presented by Susan Robbins, Regional Director of Dementia Training, Arbor Terrace Senior Communities. Presented on February 15, 2021 at the Caregiver Symposium.

During this presentation you will learn what a Music Therapy Care Plan is and how Music Therapy differs from entertainment. Melissa will also discuss Neurologic Music Therapists and what services they offer. Presented by Melissa Sommers, CEO, Board-Certified Music Therapist of Harmonic Changes Therapy Services. Presented on February 15, 2021 at the Caregiver Symposium.

Plan for the unexpected events that may happen to you or your loved one. Presented by Jeannie Forrest, PhD., R.N., Dementia Educator & Care Consultant at Through the Forrest. Presented on February 15, 2021 at the Caregiver Symposium.

Attendees will learn about the senior care continuum, what to expect when in a hospital, discharge planning and more in this class. Presented by Erin Vogt, Geriatric Social Worker at Dutton Casey & Mesoloras PC Attorneys at Law. Presented on February 15, 2021 at the Caregiver Symposium.

Presented by Dr. Olivia Domczewski, Psy.D., HSPP, Clinical Psychologist, Barrington Behavioral Health & Wellness The unique challenges caregivers face are now compounded by the current COVID-19 crisis and beyond. In this presentation, we will learn about identifying stress and burnout, challenges of caregiving, and how to engage in positive healthy coping strategies in light of current events. Presented on August 13, 2020 at the Elderwerks Virtual Senior Fair

Oftentimes we see caregivers who try to become silent superheroes. They sacrifice it all. They need to take care of themselves so they can continue to support their loved ones.

The National Center for State Courts, with the assistance of the American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging, have created Finding the Right Fit: Decision-Making Supports and Guardianship, a training designed to assist individuals in exploring ways to help someone who may need assistance in making decisions with informal supports, legal options, and/or adult guardianship.

Incontinence: Guidance for the At Home Caregiver 

Being a caregiver for someone with incontinence can make things more stressful – for both of you. The reasons for incontinence are many and include dementia, Parkinson’s disease, surgery, prolapse, stroke, multiple sclerosis, along with body changes as we age. Incontinence does not have to be the reason for admission to a long-term care facility. This Fact Sheet can help you take care of your family member or friend at home.

Caregiver burnout is a real issue. Caregivers need to try to take care of themselves before they care for others.

Caring for a loved one with dementia poses many challenges for families and caregivers. People with dementia from conditions such as Alzheimer’s and related diseases have a progressive biological brain disorder that makes it more and more difficult for them to remember things, think clearly, communicate with others, and take care of themselves. In addition, dementia can cause mood swings and even change a person’s personality and behavior.

In many advice columns and informational resources for caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease, you’re likely to find recommendations that suggest unplugging the stove. There’s solid reasoning behind this advice: Some people who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease may begin to cook but lose track of what they’re doing partway through the process. When the stove is forgotten, the results can be disastrous.

The responsibilities of caregiving for a person may seem complex and overwhelming to you at first. Depending on the person's needs, you may provide emotional support; practical assistance, such as help with medical care, financial issues, or insurance issues.

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day is a good time to spend with other senior loved ones. In addition to sharing time as a family, it's also a good opportunity to evaluate how your loved one is doing at home.

If you are an adult child and plan on taking care of your parents you may want to read this article about personal care agreements. The agreement will help you and your family understand what each person is expected to do.

When your mom and dad don't live close to you it can be very hard to manage their care needs. The following are some suggestions to help keep you on track and assist you with all the tasks that need to be done.

Simple suggestions and encouragement to help ease the strain of caregiving.

Home Care Comparisons and Questions to Ask 

Questions you need to ask before hiring a caregiver.

Second Wind Dreams 

Second Wind Dreams® (SWD) is a faith-based 501©(3) nonprofit corporation, formed in 1997 growing out of the work of Geriatric Specialist P.K. Beville. The mission of SWD is simple: through the fulfillment of dreams and the offering of innovative educational opportunities to caregivers and communities, SWD seeks to change the perception and experience of aging, empowering elders to age with dignity, hope and joy.