The physicality of caregiving, the expense, and the lack of support, are just some issues that face new caregivers. Read about these and other surprising issues faced by caregivers in a blog in the Huffington Post. 

Join the University of San Francisco School of Nursing and Health Professions for a special conference on how health professionals can support family caregivers. Unpaid and low-paid caregivers provide up to 90% of the care provided to people who are ill and disabled, but living at home. This conference seeks to educate health professionals on how to support these "invisible" members of the healthcare team.

You will learn about the diverse demographic characteristics of caregivers, identify opportunities for improving training and support, understand which new technologies might be used to assist home caregiving, and learn steps service providers can use to work more effectively with unpaid caregivers.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided. 

When: Saturday, October 24, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: University of San Francisco -- Fromm Hall, 2497 Golden Gate Avenue, 

San Francisco 94118

Cost: free for students, $25 for others
Registration: caregiver.org/improving-care-home-challenges-and-opportunities

This four week class offers new skills and tools for family caregivers who care for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, or related dementias. In It Takes Two, you will: learn more about your relative's ability to understand and communicate, learn new skills to handle troubling behavior, and feel more confident and positive about your caregiving role. 

This four part class meets on four consecutive Thursdays starting October 29. You will need to be able to attend all four sessions.

When: Four Thursdays, starting October 29, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: San Leandro Senior Community Center, 13909 East 14th Street, San Leandro 94578

Cost: free
Instructor: Jo McCord, M.A., Family Consultant, Family Caregiver Alliance
Registration: Calvin Hu, (415) 434-3388 ext. 313 (please leave a message with your name, number, and the name of this class)
Link: click here

As part of our ongoing commitment to create access to the arts for visitors of all ages and abilities, The Contemporary Jewish Museum (The CJM) is offering ongoing programs for older adults and seniors to engage in creative lifelong learning.

Join this interactive program designed for individuals with early-stage Alzheimer's and their care partners. Includes a guided tour of NEAT: New Experiments in Art and Technology and art studio time where participants engage with art and each other through stimulating discussions.

When: Thursday, October 22, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission Street, San Francisco 94103

Cost: Free with advance registration
Registration: [email protected]

What do insiders know about how to get the best medical care with the fewest hassles? Find out at a free talk at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center in San Francisco. You will hear practical ways to improve interactions with the healthcare system, whether in the hospital or in the doctor's office.

Tips provided by Patient Navigator Eve Harris and Patient Advocate Julia Hallisy, DDS will help caregivers and patients alike learn how to: save time setting up routine appointments, find the right person to help when you're in the hospital, and manage medical information for yourself and your family.

This workshop is free but seating is limited.

When: Thursday, October 29, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: University of California San Francisco -- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Third Floor, 1600 Dividadero Street, San Francisco 94115

Cost: free
Registration: Cancer Resource Center, (415) 885-3693

This annual education conference is designed to fit the needs of families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. It is also for professionals who would like to learn more about Alzheimer's disease, the challenges and hope for the future.

Topics include: Technology Tools for Family Caregivers, Successful Strategies for Addressing Sleep Challenges in Dementia, Avoiding Crises in Dementia, Increasing Happiness & Quality of Life Despite Life's Challenges, and more.  

When: Saturday, November 14, 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1221 Chess Drive, Foster City 94404

Cost: $50 general admission, $90 for professionals
Registration: click here

Contact: Blanca Vazquez-Arias, [email protected] , (408) 372-9922

View a list of our current donors here.