ONLINE: This course helps participants navigate the journey of becoming a caregiver for an older person with practical tools and emotional insight. The first session focuses on assessing when and how to step in, holding meaningful conversations, planning collaboratively and accessing support services for the person. In the second session, we explore the emotional side of caregiving: understanding what it means to be a caregiver, recognizing caregiver stress, managing emotional challenges and finding supportive resources. The final session introduces a course booklet with guided questions to help participants reflect on their personal situation. Attendees will begin developing their own caregiving plans and have time to ask questions, troubleshoot obstacles and brainstorm next steps. | Lecture + Q&A, Facilitated discussion.
Max enrollment: 10.
Julie Norstrand, Ph.D., M.S.W., M.Sc., is an eldercare consultant and has worked for many years with older adults and their families. In this role, it has become apparent to her that most families enter caregiving with little preparation, which results in stress and rushed decisions about their loved one's care. For this reason, Julie set up Help My Aging Parents, whose mission is to help families develop skills and confidence to step in as caregivers to meet the needs of their aging relatives.