Hope Hospice Offers Free Family Caregiver Education Series

Press release from Hope Hospice & Health Services:

Aug. 12, 2020

Hope Hospice announces the return of our popular Family Caregiver Education Series. The classes, typically held at our office in Dublin, have been transitioned into interactive webinars that will be presented over Zoom for the duration of the pandemic. The Series is a free public service; participants do not have to have a loved one on our hospice service.

To register, visit HopeHospice.com/family. Questions? The public may call our office, (925) 829-8770.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

Thursday, August 13, 10–11:30 a.m. | “Caregiving in the COVID-19 Era”

As a result of the current global health crisis, those who are providing care to elderly or chronically ill loved ones are now experiencing a dramatic shift in what it means to be a family caregiver. This interactive webinar will acknowledge and explore the new challenges that family members face in these uncertain times. Topics will include: Managing care at home; making the most of facility placement; and insights and tips for self-care. Debbie Emerson, Hope Hospice’s Community Health Educator, will be the presenter.

Thursday, September 10, 10–11:30 a.m. | “Living With Dementia: Dementia Basics”

Since dementia dramatically changes the ways that individuals think, perceive, and communicate, caring for a loved one with dementia presents a unique set of challenges. Hope Hospice’s dementia specialists, Gia Barsell and Debbie Emerson, will discuss the nature and progression of dementia and the various diseases and conditions that can produce its symptoms. Participants will gain a basic understanding of the ways in which dementia can impact the brain and behavior.

Thursday, October 15, 10–11:30 a.m. | “Necessary Evils: Exploring Legal and Financial Issues”

When facing the incapacity of a loved one, reliance on professionals will ensure that families receive the most accurate information about options and protection. Julie Fiedler, RN, JD, a specialist with Horizon Elder Law, will share information about establishing powers of attorney, trusts and wills, paying for long-term care and accessing government assistance programs.

Thursday, November 12, 10–11:30 a.m. | “Medicare: An Overview and Update”

Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people age 65+ and those with disabilities doesn’t have to be confusing. Our guest presenter will be Katy Brady, MPH, Community Education Coordinator from Alameda County’s Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP). Ms. Brady will share information about coverage, options for supplementing Medicare, and changes for 2021.

Thursday, December 10, 10–11:30 a.m. | “Living With Dementia: Behaviors as Communication”

As the conditions that cause dementia progress, communication becomes challenged and persons living with dementia increasingly rely on their behaviors to express their needs. In this webinar, family caregivers will gain an understanding of how to assess, interpret, and respond to dementia-related behaviors in a manner that can improve communication and promote meaningful connections. Hope Hospice’s dementia specialists, Gia Barsell and Debbie Emerson, will be the presenters for this webinar.

This press release was produced by Hope Hospice & Health Services. The views expressed here are the author's own.