Online Series for Caregivers Thursdays in May

We know family caregivers’ responsibilities can be challenging. There are times it may seem overwhelming. AARP knows family caregivers need commonsense solutions that will save them time and money and provide them with more support.

That’s why AARP Massachusetts has an online series Thursdays this May that aims to empower caregivers with knowledge, resources, and strategies to navigate your caregiving journey effectively.

Every day, family caregivers assist their older parents, spouses, siblings, grandparents and other loved ones so they can live independently in their homes—where they want to be. They help with everything including medications and medical care, meals, bathing and dressing, chores, finances, grocery shopping, transportation and much more. Some family caregivers help a few hours a month while others are on call 24/7. Many family caregivers work full or part time, and some are also caring for children.

Whether you are a caregiver now or may be in the future, this virtual series has something for you!

Six Pillars of Brain Health,
Thursday May 2, 7:00 PM-8:00 PM
Find out what your lifestyle would look like if you filled it with brain-healthy behaviors. A lifestyle that supports brain health can make a big difference to your well-being throughout your life, and it’s within your power to make the daily choices that can get you there. AARP invites you to take a step along that path by learning about “six pillars” that support brain health. These lifestyle habits include cultivating social connections, managing stress, getting high-quality sleep and moving around more, for example.

Register Here.

Prepare to Care: Essentials of Caregiving
Thursday May 9 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM ET
If you’re preparing to take care of a loved one, this discussion can help you make a caregiving plan and succeed. No matter where you are in the caregiving journey - just beginning to anticipate a need, helping to coordinate a big move, or taking care of someone full-time - having a good framework to help guide you and your loved one as you make decisions will make the process easier. 
During this session, we will share a framework to help you make the caregiving journey successfully. Topics to be covered include:

• assembling a care team
• creating a caregiving plan
• strategizing on ways to prioritize caregiver self-care, too

Register here.

Making Cents of Caregiving Costs
Thursday May 16, 7:00 PM-8:00 PM
As you consider elder-care options and do your financial planning, get the most out of AARP’s Financial Workbook for Family Caregivers. In this session, you’ll be introduced to essential information caregivers need to know to more easily manage the costs and complexities of caregiving - information on creating a health care plan, choosing a power of attorney and budgeting for housing and transportation costs, for example. AARP’s Financial Workbook for Family Caregivers will be reviewed, we’ll explore how to incorporate the financial tips into your caregiving, and additional resources will be provided.
Register Here.

Homefit
Thursday May 23, 7:00 PM-8:00
Discover smart design changes you can make for a safer and more comfortable home. Small home improvements can make a big difference in your life. They can make your home a space that enables you to “age in place,” to thrive as your living situation changes. They can also make life easier for visitors of all ages, from grandchildren to adult children and friends. Learn about the free AARP HomeFit Guide, which can help you assess each room in your house and offers home-improvement tips on everything from installing comfort-height toilets and shower seating to choosing slip-free rugs and exterior lighting that doesn’t require a ladder to change the bulb.
Register here.

Downsizing and Decluttering
Thursday, May 30, 7:00 PM-8:00 PM
Gain some tactics that can help make your downsizing or decluttering project less daunting. Having too much stuff can impede people from relocating or even getting health care into their homes. This engaging presentation will explore why stuff is so important to some people and will share practical, easy-to-follow tips on how to go about downsizing and decluttering. Learn how to get started! Bring your questions, as there will be time for Q&A.
Register here.

Family and friends are the backbones of America's care system, providing the bulk of care for older people in the U.S. as they strive to live independently. If you are not currently a family caregiver, at some point in your life you either will be a caregiver or need a caregiver.

AARP Caregiving Resource Center at https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/
For Massachusetts specific caregiving resources check out: https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/caregiver-resources
To help advocate for caregivers, send us an an email ma@aarp.org