Illinois Coalition on Mental Health and Aging: Proven Strategies to Enhance Caregiver Mental Health and Well-Being

Date: Friday, November 4

Time: 8am – 10am PT/9am – 11am MT/10am – 12pm CT/11am – 1pm ET

It is widely documented that caregivers of older adults frequently face significant stress and impacts on their mental health. While practical strategies like education and respite care are essential, many caregivers struggle with the psychological complexity of their role, which can be exacerbated by prior mental health concerns and the intricacies of family dynamics. This session will help providers understand the underlying demands of caregiving through a psychotherapeutic lens. From role changes to trauma-informed care, participants will explore themes and strategies to help them connect caregivers to the most effective self-care interventions, and will learn about three evidence-based programs with proven results.

Keynote Presentation

Beyond “Self-Care:” Addressing Caregiver Mental Health

Kate Krajci, AM, LCSW, Founder, Life Changes Counseling and Care Planning

Panel Discussion

Caring for Caregivers Model

Ellen Carbonell, MSW, LCSW, Caregiver Programs Consultant, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago,

Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers

Sheila Gruel, MA, Owner, Covenant Transitions Director

T-Care Assessment for Caregivers

Mitchell Forrest, MSW, LCSW, Family Caregiver Information and Assistance Specialist, Central IL Area Agency on Aging and Certified TCARE Manager

Moderated by Elaine Jurkowski, PhD, MSW, Graduate Program Director and Professor, Southern Illinois University

Please register HERE.