November is National Family Caregivers Month (NFCM), celebrated annually, a time to recognize and honor unpaid family caregivers across the country. It offers an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities, and increase support for caregivers. In recognition of NFCM, Courage to Caregivers is hosting its fourth annual Caring for the Caregivers Virtual Summit on Wednesday, November 1, and Thursday, November 2.
The Caring for the Caregivers Virtual Summit is free for unpaid family caregivers providing care to a loved one living with mental, chronic, or serious illnesses. It is also free for licensed professional caregivers. All are welcome to attend one or both days.
This year’s theme is Journeying With Courage and Intention. Both days will feature sessions by professional facilitators on topics including mindset, practice, and self-compassion.
“The primary goal of our Summit is to prevent caregiver burnout. Our sessions help professional and unpaid family caregivers develop the knowledge and life skills they need to build stronger coping strategies and greater resilience so they can continue providing care to those with mental, chronic, or serious illness,” said Kristi Horner, Executive Director of Courage to Caregivers.
Now in its fourth year, the Summit provides education, information, and support for caregivers in their journey toward better health and well-being. Free continuing education units (CEUs) are available for social workers, counselors, and other behavioral health professionals (3 CEU credits available per day).
CEUs for Caring for the Caregivers Summit 2023 are sponsored by the ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County, a partner and funder of Courage to Caregivers.
The deadline to register is October 30. Registration is available on Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/CourageSummit23
Topics and Presenters:
Wednesday, November 1
- 9-10 am ET: “Getting to Now – Integrating Mindfulness Practices into Our Lives as Caregivers” with Reinhild Boehme, LISW-S. This presentation will explore the use of mindfulness practices in the lives of caregivers. We will define what mindfulness may mean to us, identify common misconceptions about mindfulness, and explore mindful practices for all kinds of caregivers.
- 10:15-11:15 am ET: “Caregiving and Partners: How to Strengthen Your Long-term Relationship Even Under the Strain of Caregiving” with Cheri Timko, LPC. Caring for a loved one can put immense strain on a relationship. The disconnection makes mutual support challenging. Whether you’ve recently taken on the role of a caregiver or have been one for a long time, this workshop offers valuable insights to fortify your bond, ensuring that caregiving doesn’t take a toll on your long-term relationship or marriage.
- 11:30 am-12:30 pm ET: “Empowered and Inspired Caregiving” with JT Hunter, CDP. This workshop will explore the definition and role of the family caregiver, examine the emotional stages of caregiving, and provide strategies and tools to help family caregivers feel more empowered, less alone, and more confident throughout their caregiving journey.
Thursday, November 2
- 9-10 am ET: “Human First, Helper Second: How to honor your humanity as a caregiver” with Katie Kurtz, MSW/LISW-S. You are holding space for everyone else in your life all day, every day. But who is holding space for you? In this experiential workshop, you will learn about the 5 core tenets of holding space to apply not just to those you hold space for but also, most importantly, yourself. You will be guided in learning about the importance of nervous system care and how to build your own nervous system care plan to help enhance your personal capacity and build resilience.
- 10:15-11:15 am ET: “How Overcoming the Stressors of Family Caregiving Led to Discovery of My Life Purpose” with Velmarie Albertini, MSW/PhD Sociology/CPC. This presentation will look at caregiver stress – exploring the physical and emotional toll of caregiver stress and shedding light on the common struggles faced by those in similar roles. Velmarie will share her turning point as she discovered her life purpose as well as lessons learned.
- 11:30 am - 12:30 pm ET: “Evolving into a Self-Compassionate Mindset through Mindfulness Practices” with Kate Usaj, MSSA/LISW-S. This presentation will teach participants how to emotionally regulate themselves and develop a self-compassionate mindset through daily mindfulness practices
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