Elderly caregiver series to be given in South Lake Tahoe

The 2014 Fall Aging & Caregiver Series will be given for the next six weeks in South Lake Tahoe. This six week series of classes are designed to provide instruction and support for caregivers who are, or are planning to, care for a family member or friend age 60 or older.

All classes are held at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel (formerly Embassy Suites) from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Participants must register by calling 530-621-6369 or 800-510-2020. Free in-Home respite is available to qualified caregivers. Pre-authorization is required for respite services.

October 20th Disaster Preparedness Planning for Family Caregivers

Michelle Patterson, MPH and Lesley Coovelis, EDC Public Health Preparedness & Response with Leona Allen — Administrative Assistant, Lake Valley Fire District
Planning ahead can make all the difference. Caregiving is challenging enough, if a disaster happens do you have a plan? Learn how to identify potential challenges and take the steps necessary to guard against and prepare for disasters.

October 27th Coping with Grief and Loss
Rebecca Phillipsen, SW, Barton Home Health and Hospice
GRIEF, noun \ˈgrēf\ a cause of deep sadness * LOSS, noun \ˈlȯs\ the state or feeling of grief when deprived of someone or something of value. Understand your feelings of grief and loss , while learning several effective techniques to healthy healing.

November 3rd Techniques for Maintaining Healthy Skin
Karen Wilson, BS, RN, CWON Sebastian Combes — Physical Therapist Barton Memorial Hospital
As our loved one ages it becomes more important that we pay closer attention to their skin. Learn how to maintain good skin integrity and recognize signs and symptoms of compromised skin. As a added bonus, Sebastian will discuss lifting, positioning, and tips for caregivers to protect themselves as well as show some assistive devices.

November 10th The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Jacob Harmon, Alzheimer’s Association of N. NV and N. CA
If you or someone you know is affected by Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, it’s time to learn the facts. This lecture will include information on detection, causes, risk factors, stages of the disease, treatment, and much more.

November 17th Senior Legal Services
Diana Steele, Attorney, El Dorado County Senior Legal
Learn the rights and responsibilities of a health care and/or financial agent; Including many other responsibilities that are associated to the health and well-being of your loved-one. Please bring your questions on this very important topic.

November 24th The Basics and Beyond of Medi-Cal and Medicare,
Representatives from HHSA and HICAP
Your local Medi-Cal and Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) representatives will explain current benefits and what is on the horizon.

The classes and materials are all free of charge though donations are accepted. They are sponsored in part by Barton Health, Home Health and Hospice, El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency, Starbucks, Harrah's and Harvey's, Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel, Lake Valley Fire Department ad the Northern California and Nevada Alzheimer's Association.