How sharing our challenges and stories can drive change in the field of aging
Call to Action: What is your biggest caregiving struggle?
This week’s calendar is a Call to Action for any of you interested in further involvement within the field of aging.
Wednesday, June 8, 2022
10:00 am - 11:30 am Pacific
California Master Plan for Aging
Courtesy: California Department of Aging
Webinar Wednesdays - Alzheimer’s and Dementia in Focus
Event Description: Overview: This month's webinar will highlight best practices and opportunities for the aging and disability communities to support people living with cognitive impairments, their caregivers and community. The California Department of Aging will be joined by aging and disability leaders for an in-depth discussion with time for Q&A.
Click below to register in advance: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5FKRuFzbQyqoXAyQBDVWzQ
Stepping into advocacy & education
Are you a family or professional caregiver? What are your biggest challenges, hurdles, and frustrations associated with caregiving?
This is not a rhetorical question. Keeping It REAL Caregiving wants to hear from you!
Later this month, KIRC is presenting information to the California Department of Aging Equity in Aging Advisory Committee, sharing REAL details from REAL caregivers about what we need most:
Please jump into the discussion below and share your top three needs.
Be specific about the challenges you face. For instance, you might say something like the following and then explain your situation:
I need more hands-on care help in my home.
My loved one needs 24-hour supervision, I work and don’t have additional help!
Our family can’t afford facility care but our loved one needs around-the-clock assistance with activities of daily living.
This is your chance to let those who have the ability to impact change, know exactly the realities we face as caregivers.
Remember, we can sit around fussing about how difficult it can be as a caregiver and do nothing - but complaining doesn’t change anything. We must act!
For every moment when you felt overwhelmed, frustrated, tired, or downright angry and just wanted someone to listen to you - this is your chance.
Sunday Coffee Chat & Support Session
Sunday, June 13, 2022
9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. (Pacific)
Hosted by: Keeping It REAL Caregiving
You’re invited to join us for the next Sunday Coffee Chat & Support Session. We’ll be LIVE online to connect, support and share.
SAVE THE DATE and look for a login link later this week!
The idea is for all of us to come together for friendship, support and hear from other caregivers, share lessons-learned, ask questions and connect with others so you know you are not alone.
Missed the previous Sunday Coffee Chat & Support event?
Not to worry - you can check it out here:
https://keepingitrealcaregiving.bulletin.com/what-happens-when-we-lose-someone-we-love-how-one-researcher-is-helping-us-learn-to-cope
*Future Sunday Coffee Chat & Support Hour events will be hosted for supporting members only. KIRC invites you to consider supporting our efforts to provide information, news, resources and guidance, by becoming a premium subscriber*
With a paid subscription you’ll have access to:
Interviews and video segments from the ASA conference
Video interviews with experts in the field of aging
Invitations to exclusive webinars
Private Coffee Chat & Support Hour sessions
Exclusive Q&A live sessions with your host, Julia Yarbough.
I hope you’ll consider supporting this effort to educate, support and raise awareness!
PLUS - KIRC will soon launch our Caregiver of the Month recognition!
Each month, we want to give KUDOS to a caregiver who goes above and beyond for their loved one or client.
How will it work?
You submit a nomination of the caregiver, a brief description of who they are, their work ethic, and why you believe they are Caregiver of the Month material!
What do they receive?
They will be showcased here in the KIRC newsletter AND on the Keeping It REAL Caregiving website.
Then, based on our continued growth from supportive readers and premium subscribers, the chosen caregivers will also receive a gift card* as a way to say THANK YOU.
Look for more details and the nomination submission form later this week!
Age Boom Academy
Calling all journalists. The Age Boom Academy is seeking applicants for its 2022 program, set for October 13, 14, 20 and 21, 2022.
The program is hosted by The Columbia Aging Center and the Columbia Journalism School.
The Age Boom Academy aims to educate more journalist to the landscape of the aging industry.
Part of the call for applications reads:
During Age Boom, Fellows will learn about the issues through sources and envision new angles to enhance reporting. Fellows will have one-on-one interviews with experts and participate in informal breakout discussions with people who are caregiving for an older relative. Fellows will also join a story clinic led by seasoned journalists, allowing them to deepen plans for covering stories.
The 2022 speakers include geriatrician and public health leader Linda Fried; MacArthur grantee and creative-care innovator Anne Basting; AARP’s Public Policy Institute director Susan Reinhard; and Keeping It Real Caregiving founder Julia Yarbough, as well as many others.
Why is such a program important?
The more reporters (print, television, radio, online, influencers) who understand the issues, programs, services for our aging population and those who care for them, the more our stories can be captured and shared with improved accuracy, and compassion. Along the way, more journalists will also learn to recognize the harmful effects of ageism and bias.
Apply here: http://ageboom.columbia.edu/2022application.html
Until next time~
Julia
