Free caregiving webinars to support families in Colorado and beyond
Nearly one in four Americans between the ages of 45 and 64 provide regular care or assistance to a friend or family member with a health problem or disability. Although many people cite caring for and helping others as one of their greatest sources of happiness and meaning, the role also comes with its own stresses and challenges.
Many of these caregivers face their own struggles, from anxiety to a lack of sleep and chronic illnesses, which can be exacerbated by the demands of helping others in need.
To support these dedicated caregivers, Colorado State University Extension is partnering with Jane Barton, a national speaker and aging expert, to offer a series of free virtual workshops focused on addressing common issues faced by informal and unpaid caregivers, who serve as the “backbone of long-term care provided in people’s homes.”
The four sessions, beginning on August 16 and concluding in mid-November, will cover a variety of topics related to caregiving, from the personal impact of caring to healthcare options, advance directives, community resources, and more.
Free Caregiver Support Webinar Series
Webinars recordings will be made available on the Caregiver Workshop Series YouTube playlist within one week of each session, as well as emailed to those who register.
Aug. 16: The Consequences of Caring
The call to care for a family member or friend is often a life-changing event for all concerned. As a caregiver, how will the experience affect you physically, emotionally, psychosocially, spiritually, and financially? In order to care well and to be well (now and in the future), it is prudent to reflect on this question.
Sept. 13: Your Final Act
Today’s end-of-life rituals often look quite different from the rituals of previous generations. Creation of meaningful end-of-life rituals is a collaborative process requiring knowledge of available options, time, attention, and intention. Articulating your preferences for Your Final Act is a gift for all concerned.
Oct. 11: THE Conversation
Have you had THE Conversation with your family regarding your preferences related to end-of-life care? If you are like the majority of people in the U.S., the answer is a resounding NO! If you want some pointers on how to kick-start THE conversation, you’ll be delighted to know that there are some phenomenal resources available to facilitate the needed discussion.
Nov. 15: Collaborative Care
For most people rooted in Western culture, it is difficult to ask for and receive help from other people. However, the reality is that we will all need help due to the challenges posed by aging and/or illness. It’s useful to explore the essential ingredients of collaborative care: shared leadership, interdependence, self-care, encouragement, and trusted relationships.
A fast growing challenge
In the last 10 years, the number of Americans older than 65 increased at the fastest rate since 1890, with the group now making up almost 17% of the country’s population.
“Many of us find ourselves in the role of caregivers but don’t have the information we need to navigate the complexities of this role. As we serve aging communities, we may find that we need more tools and support in this area,” said Ginger Williams, CSU Extension rural health specialist for Colorado’s Eastern region.
The workshops, which are free and open to the public, will also include Spanish-language interpretation. A recorded version of each session will be made available afterward for on-demand viewing.
The Caregiver Workshop Series was developed by the CSU Health Extension Team as a free, accessible resource for anyone who is or will be serving in a caregiving capacity for aging family members or friends, helping address a growing need among older Coloradans. The effort is part of CSU’s Rural Initiative.
For more information about the Caregiver Workshop Series, email Ginger Williams.
About Ginger Williams
Ginger Williams is located in Yuma County and serves as CSU Extension's rural health specialist for Colorado’s Eastern region. She has a passion for helping individuals and families, especially older adults, live their best lives through advocacy, education, and access to fundamental health resources. She holds a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, specializing in Strategic Innovation and Change Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Human Development and Education.
About Jane Barton
Jane Barton is the founder of Cardinal, LLC, the author of Caregiving for the GENIUS, and serves as a local aging expert collaborating with AARP Colorado to offer educational programs throughout the state. Her work focuses on assisting people navigating the challenges of aging, caregiving and end-of-life through educational resources, books, videos, podcasts and blogs. Barton is a Certified Senior Advisor and previously served as director of education for a Denver-based hospice and palliative care educational institution.