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Caregiving Conference 2021
Pierce County Caregiver Conference 2021
May 8 and May 15
Presented by Aging and Disability Resources and the Health Care Providers Council of Pierce County
The Caregiver Conference ended on May 15, 2021. For those that missed it, below you can find recorded presentations that offer information, support and encouragement for in-home family caregivers.
Challenges in Caregiving
- May 8 - Giving Care
- Focus on the care recipient
- May 15 - Taking Care
- Focus on the care giver
Caregiving takes many forms. Many of us help older, sick, or disabled family members and friends every day. We know we are helping, but we don’t think of ourselves as caregivers. We are glad to do this and feel rewarded by it, but if the demands are heavy, over time we can also become exhausted and stressed. We think we should be able to handle caregiving roles on top of busy work and family schedules and begin to feel guilty and depressed as our stamina wanes.
Who Are Caregivers? The short answer is most of us, at some point in our lives. Caregivers are daughters, wives, husbands, sons, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, partners and friends. While some people receive care from paid caregivers, most rely on unpaid assistance from families, friends and neighbors.
Caregivers manage a wide range of responsibilities. In your family, for example, are you the person who buys groceries, cooks, cleans house or does laundry for someone who needs special help doing these things, helps a family member get dressed, take a shower and take medicine, transfers someone in and out of bed, helps with physical therapy, injections, feeding tubes or other medical procedures, makes medical appointments and drives to the doctor and drugstore, talks with the doctors, care managers and others to understand what needs to be done, spends time at work handling a crisis or making plans to help a family member who is sick, is the designated “on-call” family member for problems. Quite a list!
Here is a profile of caregivers:
- Sixty percent of caregivers are women; 40% are men.
- Most caregivers are married or living with a partner.
- The majority of caregivers are middle-aged (35-64 years old).
- Most caregivers are employed, working full or part-time.
- Ethnic minority caregivers provide more care than their white counter-parts.
- Nearly 1 in 5 provide more than 40 hours of care per week.
- Most caregivers live near the people they care for. Eighty-three percent care for relatives, 24% live with the care recipient, 61% live up to one hour away, and 15% live a one or more hour drive away.
Source: Family Caregiver Alliance
Day 1: Giving Care
May 8, 2021 | 9 a.m. - Noon
Focus on the care recipient
9:00 a.m. | Information Resources | |
9:30 a.m. | Session 1: "When a Loved One Resists Care" Presented by: Laura Vaillancourt, Eldercare Counseling and Guidance Services Caregiving can be a thankless task. But when a loved one pushes back on receiving needed care, it can cause feelings of stress and defeat for the care giver and hastens the decline of the care receiver. Learn what resistance means and how to cope with the stubbornness that can be the most painful part of caregiving – and come away from it as a stronger and better care giver. | |
10:00 a.m. | Break | |
10:05 a.m. | Session 2: "Using the Gift of Music" Presented by: Cheryl Zabel, Certified Music Practitioner There is nothing better than music to touch our hearts. It’s often said that when all else fails put on a record. Research suggests that listening to or singing songs can provide emotional and behavioral benefits for people with any number of chronic health conditions. Key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by disease. Music can relieve stress, reduce anxiety and depression and reduce agitation for the care receiver. Music can also benefit caregivers by reducing anxiety and distress, lightening the mood, and providing a way to connect with loved ones — especially those who have difficulty communicating. | |
10:35 a.m. | Break | |
10:40 a.m. | Session 3: "Virtual Connections: Keeping Families in Touch" Presented by: Carole Velez, Elizabeth Catterson Whether it’s because of COVID or distance, sometimes personal visits by caring family members and friends just isn’t going to work. Of the 34 million Americans who care for family members, roughly 15 percent are long-distance caregivers who live at least an hour’s drive from their loved one. Many caregivers also work and some are raising children at the same time. And others juggle all three roles. This presentation will help caregivers visualize options for staying connected with their loved one while still proving essential care and support. | |
11:10 a.m. | Break | |
11:15 a.m. | Session 4: "Sharing Purpose and Responsibility" Presented by: Kelsie Asaturov, Kris Dowling, Pierce County ADRC Along with the loss of independence, the hardest things for people who receive care are the loss of purpose and responsibility. What am I good for? Why am I here? What is my role now? There are many things caregivers can do and say to help their care recipient regain a sense of helping, of contributing to family life and giving back as much as possible. Learn some practical examples of care recipient tasks and chores that can re-instill important values of purpose and responsibility. | |
11:45 a.m. | Informational Resources |
Day 2: Taking Care
May 15, 2021 | 9 a.m. - Noon
Focus on the care giver
9:00 a.m. | Information Resources | |
9:30 a.m. | Session 1: "Caregiver Stress, Frustration and Guilt" Presented by: Lisa Doyle, CayCare Caregiving is an emotional roller coaster. Each day can be filled with high points and low points, often just minutes apart. Add to this a multitude of emotions and caregiver stress, frustrations and guilt can be “off the chart.” Knowing that those emotions are more or less “normal” and how to successfully cope with them is key to maintaining a healthy balance when caregiving. | |
10:00 a.m. | Break | |
10:05 a.m. | Session 2: "When to go to the E.R and When not to" Presented by: Dr. Ari Malka, Medical Director, Dispatch Health There is no instruction book that comes with caregiving. But starting day-one, caregivers are expected to be experts in everything from house chores and hygiene to physical therapy and medication management. One of the major issues caregivers face is calling 911 for assistance or rushing a loved one to the Emergency Room – or doing nothing in the hopes that the crisis will pass. Learn what a physician has to say about making those instantaneous decisions on behalf of the person you care for. | |
10:35 a.m. | Break | |
10:40 a.m. | Session 3: "Involving the Whole Family" Presented by: William Martin, Deer Ridge Memory Care Family caregiving can be more intensive, complex, and long lasting than in the past and caregivers rarely receive adequate preparation for their role. One huge pitfall is trying to do everything on your own. Sometimes it’s hard to ask for help. Other times family dynamics can make it difficult to get the help that’s needed. Learn about identifying tasks that others can help with and how to ask for their help – even with challenging family dynamics. | |
11:10 a.m. | Break | |
11:15 a.m. | Session 4: "Assembling The Book and the Bag" Presented by: Bryana Cross Bean, Elder Law Attorney and Minta Andreve, Rehmke Law A critical piece of homework for every caregiver is to gather all the legal and medical documentation into one place – “The Book” – to have at your disposal for times when it will be needed. Who has power of attorney; what are the advance directives; what are the final wishes. A second critical piece is “The Bag” for emergency situations, for those unforeseen times when disaster may strike and you would have to leave your home on very short notice for several days. “The Book” and “The Bag” go hand-in-hand for caregiving. | |
11:45 a.m. | Informational Resources |
Day 1: Giving Care
May 8, 2021 | 9 a.m. - Noon
Focus on the care recipient
9:30 a.m. | Session 1: "When a Loved One Resists Care" Presented by: Laura Vaillancourt, Eldercare Counseling and Guidance Services | Download Materials |
10:05 a.m. | Session 2: "Using the Gift of Music" Presented by: Cheryl Zabel, Certified Music Practitioner | Download Materials |
10:40 a.m. | Session 3: "Virtual Connections: Keeping Families in Touch" Presented by: Carole Velez, Franke Tobey Jones | Download Materials |
11:15 a.m. | Session 4: "Sharing Purpose and Responsibility" Presented by: Kelsie Asaturov, Kris Sawyers-Dowling, Pierce County ADRC |
Day 2: Taking Care
May 15, 2021 | 9 a.m. - Noon
Focus on the care giver
9:00 a.m. | Information Resources | |
9:30 a.m. | Session 1: "Caregiver Stress, Frustration and Guilt" Presented by: Lisa Doyle, CayCare | Download presentation: coming soon! |
10:00 a.m. | Break | |
10:05 a.m. | Session 2: "When to go to the E.R and When not to" Presented by: Dr. Ari Malka, Medical Director, Dispatch Health | Download presentation: coming soon! |
10:35 a.m. | Break | |
10:40 a.m. | Session 3: "Involving the Whole Family" Presented by: William Martin, Deer Ridge Memory Care | Caring for the Care Giver |
11:10 a.m. | Break | |
11:15 a.m. | Session 4: "Assembling The Book and the Bag" Presented by: Bryana Cross Bean, Elder Law Attorney and Minta Andreve, Rehmke Law | Download Materials |
11:45 a.m. | Informational Resources |
Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources
Aging and Disability Resources (ADR) is the designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for Pierce County. ADR is responsible for local planning, coordination and administration of Federal and State funds targeted to provide a comprehensive system of long term services and supports (LTSS) designed to address the needs and support community living for frail older adults, adults with disabilities and their caregivers residing in Pierce County.
The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is a program of ADR and serves as the front-door to the local LTSS delivery system, providing unbiased information, community outreach / education, help accessing services and person-centered care planning / care coordination to meet the individual needs of older adults, persons with disabilities and their caregivers.
Health Care Providers of Pierce County
The Health Care Providers Council of Pierce County is a non-profit organization that promotes the highest possible standards of service, care, and well-being for older and disabled adults.
Since 2000, the Health Care Providers Council of Pierce County has grown to over 200 individuals who represent various organizations committed to providing exceptional services to seniors in our community. Our members enjoy monthly breakfasts, networking events, recognition events, promotional opportunities, employment opportunities and educational events.
Advanced Health Care Lynessa Stone, V.P. of Marketing and Recruiting Julie Ferguson, Administrator 253-475-7744 | Advanced Health Care provides licensed, compassionate caregivers in clients’ homes. All care in the home is managed by experienced RN Care Managers who oversee train our caregivers. They are committed to serving people at home, the SAFEST PLACE TO BE. | |
Care Partners Senior Living Holly, 253-533-0022 Amanda, 206-898-0977 | CarePartners has a network of Senior Care Communities within similar geographic areas, designed and structured to meet a diverse range of both care needs and financial realities. | |
55+ Real Estate Services Debbie Ruvo [email protected] 253-370-1947 253-446-2158 | 55+ Real Estate Services is a local independently owned and operated brokerage specializing in assisting seniors to downsize, right-size, and transition. Our philosophy is “Guiding YOU all the way!” We do this by keeping a client-first mindset and service-based practices, with all the resources and knowledge needed to give you a stress-free move: Estate planners, Movers and Packers, Contractors, Attorneys, Move Managers, and more. We have a network of professionals to help with anything you may need. Debbie Ruvo, company Owner/Broker is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) with 26 years’ experience in traditional real estate in addition to assisting those 55 and older with their housing needs. We host frequent downsizing seminars to answer any questions you may have. More info and registration details available on our website. | |
Pierce County Human Services Aging and Disability Resource Center 253-798-4600 800-562-0332 | The Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) serves as the front-door to the local Long Term Services and Supports delivery system. Our program provides unbiased information, community outreach / education, help accessing services and person-centered care planning / care coordination to meet the individual needs of older adults, persons with disabilities and their caregivers. Our Family Caregiver Support Program helps unpaid family caregivers with numerous services and supports - some without income limitations and others on a sliding scale. We also work closely with Lifespan Respite Washington to provide short breaks for caregivers. | |
Family Resources Home Care 800-775-6380 | Family Resource Home Care provides non-medical assistance to help our clients live at home comfortably and independently. | |
Franke Tobey Jones Carole Velez 253-320-4216 | Established in 1924, Franke Tobey Jones is a not-for-profit organization. Tudor-style residences are located on 20 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds adjacent to 700-acre Point Defiance Park in Tacoma’s historic North End. As a Continuing Care Retirement Community, Franke Tobey Jones offers independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing. | |
Mountain View Funeral Home Cheryl Teifke 253-584-0252 [email protected] | Found in 1915 and situated on over 160 acres, Mountain Funeral Home, Memorial Park and Crematory is one of the largest memorial parks in the northwest and includes 3 chapels and 2 reception rooms. Pre-planning your final arrangements is the most thoughtful gift you can leave your loved ones. It eases the emotional burden on those making decisions at a difficult time and eliminates financial strain. | |
Graham & Graham Michelle Graham 253-237-1861 [email protected] | Graham & Graham Eldercare Consultants is a no-cost resource for seniors and their families. They function much like a realtor does – helping you in your search for care solutions. | |
Merrill Gardens at Tacoma 7290 Rosemount Circle in Tacoma Linda Lee 253-460-5851 [email protected] | At family-owned Merrill Gardens, we want your life to get bigger – not smaller. Living in one of our communities means new possibilities, not new limitations. Our community is designed to meet your individual needs and give you the freedom to be yourself. We offer the best in independent senior living, assisted living and memory care from a family-owned company that knows connection is everything. | |
Hope Vision Foundation 833-228-5501 [email protected] | Hope Vision Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that empowers people with permanent vision loss to live their best lives by providing individualized resources and education services for visually impaired patients and their care partners. | |
Pegasus Lifts 253-336-6444 [email protected] | Pegasus Lifts provides transportation for appointments including dialysis, medical/dental, hospital discharges and more, for passengers with mobility challenges. We can also assist with transportation for family visits and special events. | |
Penrose Harbor at Heron's Key Kathy West, Marketing Manager 253-432-6478 | Penrose Harbor at Heron's Key is the only community in Gig Harbor to offer all-private suites in skilled nursing and a modified Life Care contract for the one-bedroom apartments in assisted living and the all private suites in Memory Care. Residents experience a neighborhood feeling in the health center with areas for social connections and community activities, with access to Heron’s Key’s services and amenities. | |
Rehmke Andreve Elderlaw Attorney Rehmke Andreve, P.S. 253-460-3190 | Rehmke Andreve, P.S. assists clients with Estate Planning services including the preparation of Wills, Living Trusts, Special Needs Trusts, Advance Care Directives, and Medical and Financial Powers of Attorney; filing for and opposing Guardianships; handling probates, transfer on death deeds, non-probate issues; Medicaid planning, including full service assistance from application until approval as well as assisting with any Medicaid appeals; Elder Abuse advocacy for elders who are victimized financially, mentally, and physically, in addition to those wrongfully accused. | |
Narrows Glen Melissa Martin 253-236-0304 | At Narrows Glen, you will find a comfortable blend of style, fine dining and endless social, cultural and recreational opportunities. A full range of activities and programs are available for your personal growth and physical, mental, and emotional well-being. | |
Family First Adult Family Home 253-219-6684 [email protected] | Family First consists of six adult family homes in the Gig Harbor area. Each home is state-licensed to care for up to six people. We offer high-end 24-hour care. Some of the medical needs we specialize in are dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson's, stroke, diabetes, special diets, and hospice care. | |
Caring Transitions of South Puget Sound 253-961-7286 | Caring Transitions of South Puget Sound is the Professional Solution for relocation services including downsizing, decluttering, & estate sales for both full and partial liquidations. From sorting through years of memories, working with estate planners, coordinating movers and real estate agents to designing a functional and comfortable floor plan, our compassionate and experienced professionals can be involved as much or as little as you like. | |
Medicare Advocate 253-777-7770 [email protected] | Medicare Advocate is contracted with the top carriers serving Washington, and 6 other states. One of their passions is sharing expertise in Medicare, Health, Life, Long Term Care, Home Care Services, and Financial Education. |
When a Loved One Resists Care
Challenging Behaviors (Teepa Snow | You Tube)
Caring for the elderly: Dealing with resistance (Mayo Clinic)
What to do if your loved one resists care (choice-homecare.com)
Using the Gift of Music
Music Therapy Tips for Caregivers - Dementia Treatment (aarp.org)
Caregivers Take Note – Music as Therapy (alz.org)
The influence of caregiver singing and background music in dementia care (PubMed | nih.gov)
Virtual Connections
5 Tips for Better Virtual Connection with Your Loved One (Guideposts)
Caregiving in Uncertain Times: Finding Support & Connection (aarp.org)
Virtual Intergenerational Programs Help Fight Isolation (aarp.org)
Purpose & Responsibility
Meaningful Activities (Teepa Snow | YouTube)
Finding Meaning and Purpose in Old Age (srcarecenter.com)
9 Ways to Find Your Purpose As You Age (Psychology Today)
Greater Age Brings Greater Responsibility (Tim Challies)
Caregiver Stress
Caregiver stress: Tips for taking care of yourself (Mayo Clinic)
Caregiver stress | Office on Women's Health (womenshealth.gov)
How to Avoid Caregiver Burnout and Manage Stress (aarp.org)
When to go to the ER
10 Tips For An Effective Emergency Room Visit (Caregiver Action Network)
Next Step in Care (next step.org)
Caring for the caregiver in the emergency department (statnews.com)
Involving the Whole Family
Family Caregiving (HelpGuide.org)
How to Share Caregiving Responsibilities with Family Members (National Institute on Aging - nih.gov)
Assembling the Book and the Bag
The Emergency Medical File Every Caregiver Should Create (AgingCare.com)
Legal Checklist to Help Caregivers as Their Parents Age (aarp.org)
WashingtonLawHelp.org | Helpful information about the law in Washington (WALawHelp)
Preparing for an Emergency as a Family Caregiver (aarp.org)
Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Caregivers (Family Caregiver Alliance)