Workshops for Caregivers

Caregivers’ Connections offers a variety of informational workshops over the telephone. Each workshop addresses a specific topic and provides useful information and practical tips to help caregivers better understand and meet the needs of their loved ones. Workshops are one hour long and generally run for 1 to 3 weeks.

There is a $10 registration fee to join Caregivers’ Connections. Tuition fees are $15 for each multiple–session workshop and $5 for each single–session workshop. Scholarships are available. For more information, please call Karen Brand at (973) 726–3226; or DOROT at (212) 769–2850 or (877) 819–9147.

January—June 2013

Making End of Life Decisions—Developing A Living Will/Advance Directive   NEW!

ONE NIGHT ONLY
Thursday, February 7 at 7:00 PM
OR Thursday, March 7 at 7:00 PM
Mary Ann Webber, RN, APN–C, with specialty in Geriatrics
This program will simplify helping loved ones make their end of life wishes known in the event they are unable to communicate. Understand the meaning and value of Advance Care Planning and explore the opportunities that exist when end of life issues are addressed.

Using the Psalms for Comfort and Healing (Texts will be provided beforehand)   NEW!

ONE NIGHT ONLY
Wednesday, February 20 at 7:00 PM
Cathy Felix; Rabbi of Sussex County Jewish Center, Newton, NJ
Gather strength using tools from the Jewish tradition to help us cope with caregiving. Learn how psalms and prayer can bring us solace in this difficult time.

Demystifying the Fundamentals of Home Care

ONE NIGHT ONLY
Wednesday, April 17 at 7:00 PM
Rachel Cohen, MSW; Program Manager At Home Services, JVS and Director, Eldercare Services, Jewish Federation of Greater Metrowest NJ
When is it time to let someone come help? In this workshop, learn how to assess when it’s appropriate to get help for your loved one and to determine which home care options are available.

Mindfulness–Based Guided Meditation

ONE NIGHT ONLY: Thursday, March 14 at 7:00 PM, Thursday, April 4 at 7:00 PM, AND Wednesday, May 1 at 7:00 PM
You may select one date or all three
NOTE: THIS CLASS IS FREE TO ALL CAREGIVERS’ CONNECTIONS PARTICIPANTS
Linda Lee Davida, BA, RYT; Certified Holistic Health Counselor
This program encompasses the essential breathing exercises that promote relaxation and peace of mind. These exercises will help you to accept the impermanence of life, release negative thoughts, and appreciate yourself for the task you are undertaking.

Practical Medicare Tips

2 Thursdays, April 11 and 18 at 5:00 PM
Heather Bates, Vice President, Client Services and Program Management and Doug Googin–Callahan, Director of NY Policy and Education, Medicare Rights Center
Medicare is full of rules and exceptions. These practical and focused sessions offer a primer about the basics of Medicare coverage, how Medicare works with other types of insurance, appealing a denial of coverage, and which federal agency is responsible for what. By the end of this course, you will have some concrete resources to use when you face complex questions about Medicare coverage and benefits.

Keeping the Spice in Your Relationship While Caregiving for Your Significant Other   NEW!

ONE NIGHT ONLY:
Thursday, April 18 at 7:00 PM
Liz Salston, LSW, MSW, MA; Geriatric care manager in private practice
With the diagnosis or progression of an illness, you and your spouse become aware that your lives may never again be the same. Although not the way it was, you can maintain intimacy. This class will provide suggestions of ways to adapt to changes in your relationship as well as self–care and indulgences.

Be Prepared Before an Emergency Occurs   NEW!

ONE NIGHT ONLY
Thursday, March 21 at 7:00 PM
Karen Brand, LCSW; Coordinator of DOROT Caregivers’ Connections and Metrowest University Without Walls
Hurricane Sandy demonstrated how an unplanned event can wreak havoc on our already complicated lives. This session will offer techniques and resources to create a plan of care before an emergency occurs and, hopefully, alleviate some stress during the crisis!