Events for the week & news from around the web

YOUR Caregiving Calendar for the week of February 20, 2022:

Upcoming events

1. Tuesday, February 22, 2022

American Diabetes Association

What does an eye exam look like?

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pacific – Online event

Hosted by the American Diabetes Association, this free online event is part of what is called the Ask the Experts webinar series.

Courtesy: American Diabetes Association

If you or your loved one has diabetes, knowing how to properly care for your eyes and being aware of any changes can be crucial for your health and vision.

Event Description: The annual eye exam: Why do I need one and what does it look like? We will explore the reasons that all persons with diabetes should have an annual eye exam, and explain what the provider will actually do during the exam and why each part of the exam is being done. Please join us and ask questions of our expert so that you can be fully informed about the what and why of your eye examination.

Webinar registration here:

2. Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Family Caregiver Alliance

Fall Prevention for Caregivers and Older Adults

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pacific

Courtesy: Adobe Stock

According to the Centers for Disease Control, falls by older adults cost roughly $50 billion dollars a year in medical costs. In addition to the financial impact, think about the physical and mental ramifications of a serious fall?

I would always remind my mother as she aged to use her walker and take extra care with each step! I encourage you to check out this event.

Event description: This webinar, presented by Stanford Health Care Occupational Therapist Tricia Catiggay, will provide tips and advice for caregivers of older adults, and will also benefit caregivers who are themselves 65 or older.

Online Zoom event register here:

3. Thursday, February 24, 2022

American Society on Aging

Dementia Training for Law Enforcement Personnel

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Pacific

With an aging population, comes a new level of interaction with those experiencing a range of medical conditions.

How do first responders learn to properly do their jobs, while recognizing an elder citizen may or may not always respond the same as someone much younger?

The American Society on Aging is addressing this issue, presenting this online webinar event.

Event description: This webinar will review the development of a successful local law enforcement dementia training program, describing the key challenges and lessons learned for its ongoing implementation. Participants will learn strategies for successful outreach and program development that they can use to develop partnerships with law enforcement in their communities.

Online event – Register here:

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News from around the web

4. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Family caregivers come in all ages, ethnicities, and sex. An increasing number of men are in the role of caring for loved ones and that includes men of color.

Be sure to check out a powerful KIRC interview with a male family caregiver

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is focusing attention on this sector of the care force, to raise awareness and offer support.

Be sure to check out the readings and video series ‘Man Enough to Care.’

Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving

Courtesy: Screengrab Rosalynn Carter.Org

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter is expanding efforts to tackle the hurdles facing family caregivers. The work includes advocacy, education and far-reaching medical and financial support.

The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving (RCI) recently received a large grant to further the work.

About the organization: The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI) was established in 1987, rooted in former First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s belief that there are only four types of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, who are caregivers, who will be caregivers, and who will need caregivers. RCI was established at Georgia Southwestern State University in her honor.

Reader Q&A

5. You ask, we answer

A KIRC reader (and caregiver) this week during our social media exchanges expressed feeling massive ‘overwhelm’ and ‘burnout’ around their caregiving duties. They are based in South Carolina.

Courtesy: South Carolina Department of Aging

Any of you in that state, I urge you to start your efforts to seek out additional help and resources by reaching out to the South Carolina Department of Agingouth Carolina Department of Aging, and the ‘GetCareSC’GetCareSC’ program.

My rule of thumb? Ask for anything and everything that may be available to provide help and relief.

Have a good week ahead KIRC family!

And remember, ‘You can’t take care of others unless you are also taking care of yourselves!’

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