Family caregivers invited to virtual workshops throughout November

For Immediate Release: Monday, October 25, 2021

For the second consecutive year, Washington County’s Family Caregiver Conference will take place virtually. The 18th annual conference, with a theme of Building a Community for Caregivers, will be offered via 10 online workshops during November, which is National Family Caregivers Month.

“Being a caregiver doesn’t necessarily mean living with and caring for someone around the clock,” said Program Coordinator Shannon Baggerman. “For example, if you grocery shop for a neighbor, help your aunt pay her bills, take your dad to his medical appointments, or simply check in regularly on a loved one, you are also a caregiver.”

The free workshops are intended for unpaid family and friend caregivers and will take place over Zoom.

• Understanding trauma for family caregivers
  Tuesday, November 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  Presented by Jessica Leitner, MSW in partnership with Oregon Care Partners

• Talking with your doctor and pharmacist about safe medication use
  Friday, November 5, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  Presented by Linda Bifano, DNP, MPA, RN in partnership with Oregon Care Partners

• You're gonna need a bigger boat: How to avoid the jaws of burnout, depression and anxiety (or cope with it if you're already there)
  Saturday, November 6, 11 a.m.-noon
  Presented by Jennifer Morris, MA, LPC

• Self-care starts with compassion
  Tuesday, November 9, noon-1 p.m.
  Presented by Kristi Barth, MS Ed

• Caregiver café
  Friday, November 12, 11 a.m.-noon
  Discussion group led by Age Café facilitators

• Quick, easy and healthy meals for caregivers and those they care for
  Saturday, November 13, 11 a.m.-noon
  Presented by Heidi Petrowsky, RD, CDCES and Maureen T. Quinn Lores

• Caregiving in the time of COVID
  Tuesday, November 16, 1-2 p.m.
  Presented by Susan Hedlund, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C

• Finding positive meaning in the face of grief
  Friday, November 19, 11 a.m.-noon
  Presented by Susie Snyder LCSW

• Supportive strategies for difficult conversations
  Friday, November 19, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
  Presented by Susie Snyder LCSW

• Anger, agitation and frustration: Understanding behaviors with dementia
  Saturday, November 20, noon-1 p.m.
  Presented by Shelly Edwards, MLS and Barney Nelson

Additional information about the workshops is available at https://bit.ly/caregiver-workshop-details.

This conference is presented by Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services Family Caregiver Program with support from OHSU Health Hillsboro Medical Center, Home Instead and Compass Enterprise.

Registration is required. Visit https://bit.ly/2021-caregiver-series to register or call 503-846-3090 for more information. If you live in Washington County and have a special request for accommodation, call two weeks prior to the workshop you plan on attending.

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