Annual Caregiving Conference: Engaging Caregivers in Evidence-Based Programs The conference explores successes and challenges in the dissemination of evidence-based programs to family and friend caregivers. Keynote speaker, Erin Long, MSW, Team Lead, Alzheimer's Disease Programs Initiative of the Administration for Community Living, discusses experiences with engaging caregivers in programs and services, along with marketing strategies. Presentations also highlight experiences of organizations engaging caregivers and delivering evidence-based programs, including strategies to overcome barriers that keep caregivers from enrolling in support programs, and lessons learned through their marketing efforts. Read more
The Impact of Cybercrimes on Mental Health in Older Adults Cybercrimes have increased 20 percent since the onset of COVID-19 in 2020. Romance scams stole more than $139 million from older adults in 2020. According to a report by the Federal Trade Commission, that’s a 65 percent increase from 2019, when reported losses were nearly $84 million. While the monetary loss is staggering, it is often the devastating emotional toll that impacts the mental health of older adults, their families and those that care for them the most. This webinar will explore the topic of cybercrimes, why older adults are targets, the impact this trauma can have on an individual's mental health and ways to find help in the community. Read more
Dementia: Using Gems to Uncover Clarity This webinar led by the Hospice of the Western Reserve will explore The GEMS®: Brain Change Model, an approach to creating supportive environments for people with dementia along the course of their journey. Additionally, we will define dementia, discuss the role of care partners, explain person-centered care and teach attendees the Hand Under Hand technique to assist individuals with dementia. Lastly, you will learn from Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging about an evidence-based care-coaching program, BRI Care Consultation™, that is available for free in Cuyahoga, Athens and Washington Counties to support individuals with, or at risk of, dementia, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their caregivers. Please join us for this opportunity to learn more about maximizing the remaining strengths of individuals with dementia. Read more
Maximizing the Environment for Individuals with Dementia According to the AARP, most Americans would prefer to stay in their homes until the end of their life. This statistic is no different for persons with dementia. Lack of safety and accessibility in the home are issues that need to be addressed so that individuals with dementia and their respective caregivers also have the ability to age in place. Occupational therapy professionals are trained health care providers that can provide formalized home safety assessments and recommend home modifications to increase safety and independence in the home. These efforts are also beneficial for community and business owners to consider and employ to further support individuals with dementia in the community. Read more
Benefits: You Gave, You Save Navigating the maze of different benefits and trying to understand what you and your loved one may be eligible for can be a daunting task. Join us for an informative webinar that will outline benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, Medicare Savings Program and the Low-Income Subsidy. We’ll walk through what the different requirements for these programs are and how to apply. Read more
15th Annual Katz Policy Lecture: National Family Caregiving Strategies and Policy Recommendations from the RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council This year, the 15th annual Katz Policy Lecture, sponsored by AARP Ohio, will examine the RAISE Family Caregivers Act, which directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop and maintain a national strategy to recognize and support family caregivers. The Act identifies actions that communities, providers, the government and others are taking to help family and friend caregivers, and aims to improve information sharing, collaboration, government support and assessment of caregiver programming across these efforts. Our keynote speaker, Alan B. Stevens, PhD, will discuss family caregiving strategies and policy recommendations from the RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council, and the impact these will have on our communities. Following our keynote speaker, a reactor panel of industry experts will give their responses to the presentation, and discuss how the Act impacts different types of individuals and communities, as well as state level policy. Read more
Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research For centuries, we’ve known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age. Join us to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity, social engagement, pharmacological treatments, and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging. Lastly, you will learn from Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging about an evidence-based care-coaching program, BRI Care Consultation™, that is available for free in Cuyahoga, Athens and Washington Counties to support individuals with, or at risk of, dementia, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their caregivers. Read more
Evidence-Based Programs: How They Help Caregivers of People Living with Dementia Dr. David Bass, Senior Vice President, Senior Research Scientist and Director of the Center for Research and Education at Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging, discusses evidence-based programs, how they can help individuals with dementia and their family and friend caregivers, and how to access them in your area. This video was developed as a part of the Expansion of Dementia-Capable Communities within Urban and Rural Settings in Ohio using Evidence-Based and Informed Programming project, funded by the Administration for Community Living, Alzheimer’s Disease Program’s Initiative. Read more
Making the Transition to Long Term Care a Successful Choice Have you made the decision to transition your loved one to long-term care? This can change your role as a caregiver and return your relationship with your loved one to one that is more personal and familial. How can you make this a decision that both incorporates your loved one’s preferences and supports their personal values? This webinar will discuss important topics for this transition, including the assessment process, how to communicate with long-term care facilities and care planning. Read more
Together We Walk: A Dementia Journey Each individual’s journey with dementia is unique. This webinar led by the Hospice of the Western Reserve will provide information on the types of dementia and their effects on the brain, and introduce participants to just some of the experiences of people living with dementia. Through this interactive presentation, you will develop a deeper understanding of how these individuals navigate the world, and how hospice can support them and their family and friend caregivers. Our goal is to be able to better care for our loved ones and neighbors by walking a mile in their shoes. Lastly, you will learn from Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging about an evidence-based care-coaching program, BRI Care Consultation™, that is available for free in Cuyahoga, Athens and Washington Counties to support individuals with, or at risk of, dementia, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their caregivers. Read more