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Meet-Ups for Eldercare Caregivers and Advocates

Meet-Ups for Eldercare Caregivers and Advocates

Meet-Ups for Eldercare Caregivers and Advocates

April 5, 2022 at 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Meet-Ups for Eldercare Caregivers and Advocates (MECCA) is a virtual peer support program offered through Healthy Workplace. MECCA is a 6-week, virtual peer support program that provides working caregivers with a forum through which to share their experiences, gain information and understanding about the caregiver journey, and to give and receive knowledge and support with other caregivers. The sessions will be facilitated by Jennifer Moir, Eldercare Consultation with AgeWell Solutions.

What does MECCA offer participants?

  • A relaxed and welcoming forum for discussion
  • Guided information exchange to enhance skill set and understanding
  • A chance to give and receive knowledge and support from other caregivers
  • Confidence and reassurance that you are not alone

Who is MECCA for?

For adult children, family members or anyone with an aging or vulnerable loved one and who is preparing to become a caregiver, or is an active caregiver already and interested in improving their caregiving experience by learning and sharing helpful tips, tools and coping strategies.

How to participate?

Register here to save your spot and receive your calendar update to attend upcoming sessions. To offer maximum support, the peer support session will close registration after the 2nd session. This is to allow caregivers to develop relationships and to build on weekly lessons. If you are interested in participating, please register early!

When is the MECCA program taking place?

Beginning Tuesday, April 5 and ending Tuesday, June 14, the program consists of 6 group, on-line meet-up sessions, held over 12 weeks. Sessions take place once every two weeks, are one hour in length, with each session designed to build upon earlier ones.

Dates and Times:

  • Tuesday, April 5 (Noon – 1pm)
  • Tuesday, April 19 (Noon – 1pm)
  • Tuesday, May 3 (Noon – 1pm)
  • Tuesday, May 17 (Noon – 1pm)
  • Tuesday, May 31 (Noon – 1pm)
  • Tuesday, June 14 (Noon – 1pm)

Program Details

60-minute virtual meeting format:

  • 10 minute: welcome and round table introductions
  • 15 minutes to explore the weekly topic and theme: learning, skill building
  • 25 minutes for participants to share experiences, give and receive knowledge and support
  • 5-10 minute wrap up including a review of additional resources, and introduction of the following week’s topic

Weekly Topics

  • Week 1 – Caregiver spotlight and journey (April 5)
  • Week 2 – How stress impacts caregivers, response mechanisms and coping pathways (April 19)
  • Week 3 – Overcoming challenging emotions and caregiver behaviours (May 3)
  • Week 4 – Mindfulness and building caregiver resilience (May 17)
  • Week 5 – Caregiver strengths and self-care tips (May 31)
  • Week 6 – Sustainable, joyful caregiving: tools, strategies and resources (June 14)

Registration

To register for this virtual series, please fill out the form here. You are encouraged to attend all 6 sessions but if you need to miss one or two that is okay.

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Eldercare: Advocating for Your Aging Loved One

Eldercare: Advocating for Your Aging Loved One

Eldercare: Advocating for Your Aging Loved One

March 22, 2022 at 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM

As your loved one ages, you may have to take on an increasing level of responsibility to ensure their wellbeing and advocate for them. This session helps you prepare for this shift in responsibility by looking at the five stages of caregiving, and the types of tasks associated with each stage. This session will also provide insight and practical tips on how to initiate productive conversations with your loved one about this shift and how you as a caregiver will balance both your loved one’s desire for autonomy with proactive advocacy.

Jennifer Moir, Owner of Age Well Solutions, will provide this virtual workshop on preparing to advocate for your aging loved one. Jennifer will also review with participants how they can access further assistance through Carleton’s Employee & Family Assistance Program.

Registration

To register for this virtual session, please fill out the form here.