Older Caregivers Cafes
Think back and try to recall when the last time was you took a rejuvenating break, socialized with peers or—for goodness sake—had a little fun!
We know your life as a caregiver is demanding, but trust us: you’re no good to your loved ones without some occasional, guilt-free self-TLC.
We held three, free workshops at Toronto Public Library branches on September 14, 15, and 29, 2016. Highlights included:
- Enlightening and entertaining presentations
- Mingling with like-minded folks
- Coffee, refreshments and snacks
- A ton of educational and support resources to take away
- A renewed sense of self
- A podcast series to follow from the comfort of your own home
Click for the list of Older Caregiver Cafes Podcasts
Speakers & Topics from Thursday, September 29, 2016
Caregiver Connection: Sharing – Listening – Learning From One Another
Eleanor Silverberg, BA Psych, MSW, RSW
Who has the time to connect with others while lost and lonely in a busy caregiving world? In this interactive presentation, you will gain insight into the benefits of making time to connect and share with other family caregivers. You will also obtain tips on how to stay connected daily to avoid feelings of loneliness, distress, and isolation.
Taking care of self, while caring for others: an interactive workshop to benefit caregivers
Marlene George, Health and Wellness expert
Marlene’s focus on wellness within applies to everyone who personally or professionally provides care for others. Drawing from her 9 Principles for Living a Joyous Life, Marlene shares valuable information, strategies, and tools for caregivers to maintain their health while tending to the needs of others.
Frauds and Scams
Jason Peddle, Vulnerable Persons Coordinator, Toronto Police Service
Learn about some of the current frauds and scams against vulnerable, often isolated people. This interactive workshops draws on real-life examples and statistics to help you and your loved ones be more prepared and able to deal with predators of your assets.
Caregiver Survival Tips and Tricks
Mary Bart, Chair of Caregiving Matters
Mary will share some of her tips and tricks of being a family caregiver. In her presentation, she will cover topics such as “Caregiver Balance,” respecting the wishes of the person for whom you are caring and dealing with guilt. Mary is an enthusiastic speaker who speaks from the heart. She was her parents’ principal caregiver for 10 years. Her Mother had Alzheimer’s and her Father had cancer. She brings, humour, practical real-life stories and suggestions.
Understanding Musical Support
Jill Kulchar, Musician
Music can help a caregiver restore, rejuvenate, and relax. Music can also be used to help care for others by supporting speech, emotion, fine motor skills, and communication. Music is life and life is music!
Care for the Caregivers: Relieving Tension – Finding Balance – Staying Socially Engaged
Eleanor Silverberg, BA Psych, MSW, RSW
Tension relief is not a luxury for caregivers. It is a necessity. In this interactive presentation, you will gain increased self-awareness to decrease your tension. You will obtain insight into calming strategies that will provide you with more balance, relief, pleasure, and social engagement.
Special thanks to Trish Richards for volunteering to write the information about this new project.
