Practicing Anti-Ageism
2023-09-06 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Chicago)
Practicing Anti-Ageism
Speakers: Nancy Morrow-Howell PhD, Suzanne Kunkel PhD, Tracey Gendron PhD, and Shannon E. Jarrott PhD
Date: Wednesday, September 6th
Time: 10-11:30AM PT / 11AM-12:30PM MT / 12-1:30PM CT / 1-2:30PM ET
In this session, we will briefly review what ageism is, where it happens, and why it matters; but the focus will be on deepening our understanding of how we all experience and perpetuate ageism. We will discuss strategies that we can use to actively address ageism, especially in our professional settings.
Please register HERE.

Guidance on Best Practices in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Older Adults in Nursing Homes with Schizophrenia and Other Serious Mental Illnesses
2023-11-01 12:00 - 13:30
*This event has been postponed and a new date will be shared soon.*
Guidance on Best Practices in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Older Adults in Nursing Homes with Schizophrenia and Other Serious Mental Illnesses
Speakers: Stephen Bartels, MD, MS; Marcia Hunt, PhD; Susan Buehler, PhD; and David Farrell, MSW
Date: TBD
Time: 10-11:30AM PT / 11AM-12:30PM MT / 12-1:30PM CT / 1-2:30PM ET
The appropriate care provision for people with schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses (SMI) residing in nursing homes has been an important focus of research and policy. People with SMI are often placed in nursing homes due to severity or chronicity of their illness, but also due to limited housing and treatment options. Many older adults with SMI have psychosocial and psychiatric needs that are not well met in nursing homes. In response to these issues, SAMHSA funded the E4 Center to complete a systematic literature review on the care of older adults with SMI living in nursing homes and assembled an expert panel to develop guidance and recommendations for best practices. This presentation will review the historical background of the treatment for people with SMI in nursing home settings, current concerns about diagnosis of SMI within a nursing home setting, and describe recommendations for improved care within this guidance.
Learning Objectives
Learners who participate in this learning activity will be able to:

Recognize the barriers to care that older adults with SMI encounter, particularly for those who reside in nursing homes.
Describe legislation and regulatory policy that have affect the care that older adults with SMI receive.
List recommendations for best practices for the diagnosis and treatment of older adults with SMI in the nursing home setting.

Alcohol, Cannabis, and Other Substance Misuse Among Older Adults: New Findings to Inform Prevention and Interventions
2023-11-15 12:00 - 13:30
Alcohol, Cannabis, and Other Substance Misuse Among Older Adults: New Findings to Inform Prevention and Interventions
Speakers: Fred Blow, PhD and Lynn Cooper
Date: Nov 15th
Time: 10-11:30AM PT / 11AM-12:30PM MT / 12-1:30PM CT / 1-2:30PM ET
In recent years, the misuse of alcohol and other psychoactive drugs, including opioids, among older adults has been increasing. There is growing evidence that older adults today drink alcohol, and abuse prescription and illicit drugs, at higher levels than previously reported. New data suggest that combination of these problems places older adults at increased risk for negative outcomes, increased health problems, disability, and suicide. This presentation will focus on the nature and extent of substance use and abuse in later life, new research on the changing landscape of substance use and its consequences in aging individuals, best-practices for screening and identification of late-life substance abuse, and brief motivational intervention strategies targeting older adults who misuse substances. The webinar will also highlight key recommendations included in the SAMHSA Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) #26: Treatment of Substance Use Disorder in Older Adults. This event is hosted in collaboration with the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA).
Learning Objectives
Learners who participate in this learning activity will be able to:

understand the nature and extent of substance misuse among older adults;
describe the unique risks of risky substance use and misuse among older individuals, especially for those with comorbid mental health and cognitive problems;
be able to screen for alcohol and drug use among older adults using standardized instruments; and
have new knowledge about effective brief motivational interventions to address both alcohol and drug concerns in their clinical practice.

Please register HERE.

4Ms – Behavioral Health: Building Age-Friendly Mental Health Systems
2024-01-17 12:00 - 13:30
4Ms – Behavioral Health: Building Age-Friendly Mental Health Systems
Speaker: Erin Emery-Tiburcio, PhD, ABPP: Julio Cesar Batista, MS, LPC; and Samantha Guilfoyle , LCSW
Date: Jan 17th
Time: 10-11:30AM PT / 11AM-12:30PM MT / 12-1:30PM CT / 1-2:30PM ET
The 4Ms of an Age-Friendly Health System (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility) framework has improved care in health systems for older adults across the country and around the world. Mental health and substance use clinicians can apply all 4Ms in their work with a uniquely tailored version of the framework. This workshop will present the 4Ms-Behavioral Health (BH) framework, useful tools, and our experience of piloting a training program with three community mental health centers. We will share lessons learned about teaching and implementing the 4Ms-BH, as well as sustainability of practice in clinic settings, and future training opportunities.
Learning Objectives
Learners who participate in this learning activity will be able to:

Identify the unique elements of the 4Ms-BH framework
Discuss challenges and benefits of implementing the framework
Recognize opportunities for further training in the 4Ms-BH framework

Please register HERE.

Social Connection is Medicine and Hope: Strategies to Reduce Social Isolation & Loneliness to Prevent Suicide in Later Life
2024-02-07 12:00 - 13:30
Social Connection is Medicine and Hope: Strategies to Reduce Social Isolation & Loneliness to Prevent Suicide in Later Life
Speaker: Kimberly Van Orden, PhD
Date: February 7th, 2024
Time: 10-11:30AM PT / 11AM-12:30PM MT / 12-1:30PM CT / 1-2:30PM ET
Social isolation and loneliness (SIL) is one of the most common characteristics among older adults who die by suicide, while social connection is protective: socially connected adults have greater than a two-fold reduction in suicide risk over the long-term. Despite the clear significance of SIL, the U.S. healthcare system has not capitalized on social connection as preventive medicine: it is not routinely assessed and there are no clear evidence-based interventions. This presentation will discuss evidence-informed strategies to assess and intervene on SIL to prevent suicide and promote health & well-being in older adults, including individual coaching, behavioral activation, volunteering, and peer companionship, as well as challenges in engaging older adults in those programs.
Learning Objectives
Learners who participate in this learning activity will be able to:

Describe at least two pathways (or mechanisms) whereby reducing social isolation and loneliness may reduce suicide risk in later life.
Identify at least three promising strategies to reduce social isolation and loneliness in older adults.
Identify at least two factors that may prevent older adults from engaging in programs to reduce social isolation and loneliness.

Please register HERE.

Support Aging in Place: Older Adult Peer Support Training
2024-02-20 12:00 - 14:00, 2024-02-27 12:00 - 14:00, 2024-03-05 12:00 - 14:00, 2024-03-12 12:00 - 14:00, 2024-03-19 12:00 - 14:00, 2024-03-26 12:00 - 14:00
Speaker: Karen L. Fortuna, PhD, LICSW and Robert Walker, MS, COAPS
Dates: Tuesdays Feb 20th – Mar 26th
Time: 10AM-12PM PT / 11AM-1PM MT / 12-2PM CT / 1-3PM ET
This training is designed to promote rapid uptake of digital peer support and is designed specifically to address the needs of older adults, including evidence-based principles associated with normal aging and technology, accessing and engaging older adults in technology-based recovery services, resources to age in place, aging successfully, education on whole health, sharing your lived experience of aging with mental health and/or co-morbid physical health challenges, and defining values & setting goals.  Please note that in order to receive a certificate of attendance you must attend all 6 sessions.
Learning Objectives
Learners who participate in this learning activity will be able to:

Understand how peer support can assist older adults in the community
Understand older adult mental health needs and related support options
Develop expertise in identifying free or low-cost technologies for older adults

Sessions:
02/20/24: Older Adult Mental Health Needs
02/27/24: How to Engage Service Users with Technology and Assist Older Adults in the Community
03/05/24: Understand how to Address Older Adult Mental Health Needs Using Evidence-Based Practices
03/12/24: Bonding and Connection with Older Adults and ways to Promote Supportive Relationships
03/19/24: Available Technologies in the Community that can Support Aging in Place
03/26/24: Privacy and Confidentiality and Engagement in Technology as an Option for Supporting Older Adults
Please register HERE.

Implementing the 4Ms-Behavioral Health: Applying the 4Ms of an Age-Friendly Health System in Mental Health and Substance Use Services
2024-04-05 12:00 - 15:00
Speakers: Erin Emery-Tiburcio, PhD, ABPP and Laura Porter, PhD
Dates and Times: April 5th at 10AM-1PM PT/11AM-2PM MT/12-3PM CT/ 1-4PM ET and second Friday of the month May through September at 10-11AM PT / 11AM-12PM MT / 12-1PM CT / 1-2PM ET
Built on the foundation of the 4Ms of an Age-Friendly Health System (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility), the 4Ms – Behavioral Health (4Ms-BH) provides mental health and substance use clinicians with a unique version of the framework to guide and enhance care for older adults. This eight-hour live online series will provide essential background knowledge about the needs of older adults in mental health and substance use settings, practical tools for assessing and applying the 4Ms-BH across professions and theoretical orientations, and strategies to support framework sustainability. The series includes a three-hour overview webinar followed by five monthly one-hour sessions to apply and solidify training content. Free continuing education credits will be provided at the conclusion of the full series following completion of the post-test and evaluation.

Learning Objectives
Learners who participate in the full series will be able to:

Define the 4Ms of an Age-Friendly Health System – Behavioral Health and describe the connections between the 4Ms.
Describe the unique needs of older adults regarding mental health and substance use.
Utilize tools for assessing and acting on the 4Ms-BH.
Identify strategies and tools for sustaining this framework in their practice settings.

Sessions:
04/05/24: 10AM-1PM PT/11AM-2PM MT/12-3PM CT/ 1-4PM ET
05/10/24: 10-11AM PT / 11AM-12PM MT / 12-1PM CT / 1-2PM ET
06/14/24: 10-11AM PT / 11AM-12PM MT / 12-1PM CT / 1-2PM ET
07/12/24: 10-11AM PT / 11AM-12PM MT / 12-1PM CT / 1-2PM ET
08/09/24: 10-11AM PT / 11AM-12PM MT / 12-1PM CT / 1-2PM ET
09/13/24: 10-11AM PT / 11AM-12PM MT / 12-1PM CT / 1-2PM ET
BECAUSE ZOOM DOES NOT ALLOW US TO INCLUDE DIFFERENT LENGTH SESSIONS IN ONE INVITE, LEARNERS MUST REGISTER FOR BOTH THE INITIAL THREE HOUR TRAINING AND THE MONTHLY SESSIONS SEPARATELY. CE WILL BE AWARDED AT THE COMPLETION OF THE FULL SERIES OF MONTHLY SESSIONS.
*Please note registration and attendance at all sessions is required to claim CE credits. Registration information for the monthly series will be shared with all who attend the April 5th webinar. We highly suggest using “Add to Calendar” now to keep the events marked on personal calendars.*
Register HERE for the first 3hr session.

Words Matter Wednesdays: Advancing Equity Through Language
2024-05-01 14:00 - 15:00
Promoting Equity when Speaking About, and with, Families presented by National Family Support Technical Assistance Center (NFSTAC)
Dates and Times: 05/01/24 from 2-3PM CT / 3-4PM ET / 12-1PM PST / 10-11AM HAST
Please join us for a series this May that will explore equitable terminology that promotes social justice for populations where language has often been used to shame individuals, patronize, enforce prejudice, or limit visibility. Each session will provide updated language that helps advance equity within their population of focus. We encourage behavioral health professionals and those who interact with or write about these populations, including those leading other Centers of Excellence, Technology Transfer Centers, and others administering programs aimed at increasing assess to mental health care to attend. Together, we hope to move forward in advancing equity through language
Learning Objectives:

Identify language that is unhelpful to families
Identify updated language that helps advance equity for families
Utilize effective language to promote equity among families

Please register here.

7th Annual Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium
2024-05-02 09:00 - 16:00
Dates and Times: May 2nd from at 7am-2pM PT / 8AM-3PM MT / 9am-4PM CT / 10am-5PM ET
The National Council on Aging is proud to host the 7th annual Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium. This event is co-sponsored with the U.S. Administration for Community Living, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Registration is free and includes a full day of sessions on how to best meet the mental health needs of older adults. In partnership with Rush University’s E4 Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging, NCOA anticipates offering free continuing education credit for several professions. Please visit the Continuing Education page for more information.
Public health practitioners, professionals in the aging network, mental health providers, health care professionals, and anyone interested in ensuring the mental health of older adults should attend this free, virtual event on May 2, 2024 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm EST. Be sure to join us starting at 10:00 am EST for the welcome and keynote speaker, Jenifer Lewis.
Learning Objectives
In this symposium, participants will be able to:

To share new initiatives, strategies, promising practices as well as the perspective of older adults to improve access, reduce stigma, and increase collaboration in the field of older adult mental health, particularly to assist those with serious mental illness and substance use disorders.
To increase awareness about the role that health inequities play in the care and treatment of older adult mental health and substance use disorders, and identify culturally-appropriate approaches to reduce their impact, including social support and evidence-based interventions.
To provide attendees with actionable steps they can bring back to their communities.
Identify policy solutions to address inequities and access barriers in older adult mental health.

Register HERE.

Words Matter Wednesdays: Advancing Equity Through Language
2024-05-08 14:00 - 15:00
Promoting Equity for Black and African American Populations presented by African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence
Dates and Times: 05/08/24 from 2-3PM CT / 3-4PM ET / 12-1PM PST / 10-11AM HAST
Please join us for a series this May that will explore equitable terminology that promotes social justice for populations where language has often been used to shame individuals, patronize, enforce prejudice, or limit visibility. Each session will provide updated language that helps advance equity within their population of focus. We encourage behavioral health professionals and those who interact with or write about these populations, including those leading other Centers of Excellence, Technology Transfer Centers, and others administering programs aimed at increasing assess to mental health care to attend. Together, we hope to move forward in advancing equity through language
Learning Objectives:

Identify language that is unhelpful to Black and African Americans
Identify updated language that helps advance equity for Black and African Americans
Utilize effective language to promote equity for Black and African Americans

Please register here.

Implementing the 4Ms-Behavioral Health: Applying the 4Ms of an Age-Friendly Health System in Mental Health and Substance Use Services
2024-05-10 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-06-14 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-07-12 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-08-09 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-13 12:00 - 13:00
Speakers: Erin Emery-Tiburcio, PhD, ABPP and Laura Porter, PhD
Dates and Times: Second Friday of the month May through September at 10-11AM PT / 11AM-12PM MT / 12-1PM CT / 1-2PM ET
Built on the foundation of the 4Ms of an Age-Friendly Health System (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility), the 4Ms – Behavioral Health (4Ms-BH) provides mental health and substance use clinicians with a unique version of the framework to guide and enhance care for older adults. This eight-hour live online series will provide essential background knowledge about the needs of older adults in mental health and substance use settings, practical tools for assessing and applying the 4Ms-BH across professions and theoretical orientations, and strategies to support framework sustainability. The series includes a three-hour overview webinar followed by five monthly one-hour sessions to apply and solidify training content. Free continuing education credits will be provided at the conclusion of the full series following completion of the post-test and evaluation.

Learning Objectives
Learners who participate in the full series will be able to:

Define the 4Ms of an Age-Friendly Health System – Behavioral Health and describe the connections between the 4Ms.
Describe the unique needs of older adults regarding mental health and substance use.
Utilize tools for assessing and acting on the 4Ms-BH.
Identify strategies and tools for sustaining this framework in their practice settings.

Sessions:
04/05/24: 10AM-1PM PT/11AM-2PM MT/12-3PM CT/ 1-4PM ET
05/10/24: 10-11AM PT / 11AM-12PM MT / 12-1PM CT / 1-2PM ET
06/14/24: 10-11AM PT / 11AM-12PM MT / 12-1PM CT / 1-2PM ET
07/12/24: 10-11AM PT / 11AM-12PM MT / 12-1PM CT / 1-2PM ET
08/09/24: 10-11AM PT / 11AM-12PM MT / 12-1PM CT / 1-2PM ET
09/13/24: 10-11AM PT / 11AM-12PM MT / 12-1PM CT / 1-2PM ET
*Please note registration and attendance at all sessions is required to claim CE credits. Registration information for the monthly series will be shared with all who attend the April 5th webinar. We highly suggest using “Add to Calendar” now to keep the events marked on personal calendars.*

Words Matter Wednesdays: Advancing Equity Through Language
2024-05-15 14:00 - 15:00
Promoting Equity for Older Adult Populations presented by E4 Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging
Dates and Times: 05/15/24 from 2-3PM CT / 3-4PM ET / 12-1PM PST / 10-11AM HAST
Please join us for a series this May that will explore equitable terminology that promotes social justice for populations where language has often been used to shame individuals, patronize, enforce prejudice, or limit visibility. Each session will provide updated language that helps advance equity within their population of focus. We encourage behavioral health professionals and those who interact with or write about these populations, including those leading other Centers of Excellence, Technology Transfer Centers, and others administering programs aimed at increasing assess to mental health care to attend. Together, we hope to move forward in advancing equity through language
Learning Objectives:

Identify language that is unhelpful to older adults
Identify updated language that helps advance equity for older adults
Utilize effective language to promote equity for older adults

Please register here.

Words Matter Wednesdays: Advancing Equity Through Language
2024-05-22 14:00 - 15:00
Promoting Equity for LGBTQIA2S+ Populations presented by Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity
Date and Time: 05/22/24 from 2-3PM CT / 3-4PM ET / 12-1PM PST / 10-11AM HAST
Please join us for a series this May that will explore equitable terminology that promotes social justice for populations where language has often been used to shame individuals, patronize, enforce prejudice, or limit visibility. Each session will provide updated language that helps advance equity within their population of focus. We encourage behavioral health professionals and those who interact with or write about these populations, including those leading other Centers of Excellence, Technology Transfer Centers, and others administering programs aimed at increasing assess to mental health care to attend. Together, we hope to move forward in advancing equity through language
Learning Objectives:

Identify language that is unhelpful to LGBTQIA2S+ individuals
Identify updated language that helps advance equity for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals
Utilize effective language to promote equity for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals

Please register here.

Schaalman Senior Voices Thought Leader Lecture: From Isolation to Inspiration
2024-05-23 11:00 - 12:00
Speakers: Jeremy Nobel, MD, MPH
Date: May 23rd 11AM-12PM CT
Location: Virtually and in-person at Searle Conference Center, RUSH Professional Building 1725 W. Harrison St. 5th Floor (Elevator II) Chicago, IL 60612
In celebration of Older Americans Month, please join RUSH Generations and the RUSH Center for Excellence in Aging for our annual Schaalman Senior Voices Thought Leader Lecture, featuring Dr. Jeremy Nobel.
This lecture will explore loneliness and social isolation among the older adult population and how the arts engage, inspire, empower, and connect us. Dr. Nobel is the author of Project UnLonely: Healing Our Crisis of Disconnection.
Register HERE.

Words Matter Wednesdays: Advancing Equity Through Language
2024-05-29 14:00 - 15:00
Promoting Equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Populations presented by The AANHPI ‘Ohana Center of Excellence
Date and time: 05/29/24 from 2-3PM CT / 3-4PM ET / 12-1PM PST / 10-11AM HAST
Please join us for a series this May that will explore equitable terminology that promotes social justice for populations where language has often been used to shame individuals, patronize, enforce prejudice, or limit visibility. Each session will provide updated language that helps advance equity within their population of focus. We encourage behavioral health professionals and those who interact with or write about these populations, including those leading other Centers of Excellence, Technology Transfer Centers, and others administering programs aimed at increasing assess to mental health care to attend. Together, we hope to move forward in advancing equity through language
Learning Objectives

Identify language that is unhelpful to older AAPI individuals
Identify updated language that helps advance equity for AAPI individuals
Utilize effective language to promote equity for AAPI individuals

Please register here.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Considerations for Older Adults to Prevent Suicide in Later Life
2024-06-05 12:00 - 13:30
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Considerations for Older Adults
Speakers: Richard McKeon, PhD, MPH and Erin Emery-Tiburcio, PhD, ABPP
Date: June 5th, 2024
Time: 10-11:30AM PT / 11AM-12:30PM MT / 12-1:30PM CT / 1-2:30PM ET
The 988 hotline offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. In this webinar, Dr. Richard McKeon, Senior Advisor in the SAMHSA 988 Office, will discuss the shift from the previous hotline to the new number, services available, and impact of 988 thus far. Dr. Erin Emery-Tiburcio will introduce training modules designed for 988 call center staff about working with older adults that are currently being adapted for professionals who encounter older adults in crisis in person.
Learning Objectives
Learners who participate in this learning activity will be able to:

Recognize the services offered by 988 call centers.
Understand the impact of the 988 service.
Identify resources for learning more about older adults in crisis.

Please register HERE.

Aging and Traumatic Brain Injury: Understanding the Intersection and Implications
2024-07-10 12:00 - 13:30
Speaker: Teresa Ashman, PhD, ABPP-RP
Dates and Times: July 10th from 10-11:30AM PT/11AM-12:30PM MT/12pm-1:30pm CT/1pm-2:30pm ET
As the population ages, the incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) among older adults is rising, presenting unique challenges and considerations for healthcare professionals. This presentation delves into the intersection of aging and TBI, whether aging with a TBI or sustaining a TBI in older age. The presentation will focus on the latest research on TBI in older adults, including risk factors, recovery trajectories, and long-term outcomes. The session will also highlight innovative approaches to prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation tailored to the aging population. Join us to enhance your understanding and improve care strategies for this vulnerable and growing demographic.
Learning Objectives

Explain the consequences of aging with a TBI versus sustaining a TBI at an older age
Identify key risk factors and mechanisms of TBI in older adults
Evaluate the cognitive and physiological impact of TBI on older adults

Please register here.

Suicide Loss as a Crisis of Meaning: Implications for Grief Therapy
2024-09-04 12:00 - 13:30
Speaker: Robert A. Neimeyer, PhD
Date and Time: September 4th from 10-11:30AM PT/11AM-12:30PM MT/12pm-1:30pm CT/1pm-2:30pm ET
Research suggests that much of the complicated and prolonged grief that frequently follows bereavement by suicide is mediated by its assault on the survivor’s world of meaning, and the attendant struggle to make sense of (a) the relationship to the deceased, (b) the death itself, and (c) the survivor’s own identity in its aftermath. Viewing this struggle through the lens of the Tripartite Model of Meaning Reconstruction in Loss, we will first consider common obstacles to integrating such loss adaptively within survivors’ meaning systems, and the implications this carries for the construction of the therapeutic relationship as well as specific interventions to address each impasse. Paradoxically, however, the same effort after meaning can be a catalyst for posttraumatic growth, which studies suggest is facilitated by identifiable psychological and social conditions. Illustrating these concepts with brief client videos, we conclude with general guidelines for conducting therapy with this traumatically bereaved population.
Learning Objectives

Summarize evidence that meaning making mediates the impact of traumatic loss on bereaved survivors
Discuss three narrative obstacles to meaning making in suicide loss, noting relevant signs and symptoms that serve as markers directing subsequent therapy to the client’s implicit needs
List three therapeutic procedures that promote reaffirmation or reconstruction of client meanings and the character of the therapeutic relationship required for their safe administration with suicide loss survivors

Please register here.

Caregiving in Aging Families Series: Families Age
2024-09-06 10:00 - 12:00
Speaker: Sara Qualls, PhD, ABPP
Dates and Times: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Friday of September from 8-11AM PT/9AM-11AM MT/10AM-12PM CT/11AM-1PM ET
When caregiving challenges family systems in the later part of life, individuals and families often struggle with practical and emotional burdens that are too often fraught with family conflict. Families with long histories are expected to engage in novel work related to declining functional health of aging member(s) without training. Not surprisingly, many families find themselves overwhelmed with practical tasks that are emotionally loaded and interpersonally complicated. In this three-part series, participants from all mental health professions are invited to consider how the intersection of three major bodies of research on family development, family systems, and successful aging can help them guide family members toward more successful strategies to handle the very daunting tasks they face.
Learning Objectives
Learners who participate in the full series will be able to:

Name three developmental tasks of family development in later life
Describe how family relationships change in later life
Discuss factors that influence how caregiving for older adults emerges as a developmental task within the family
Compare challenges experienced while caring for persons living with dementia with those experienced by families caring for persons with other diseases and conditions that are not cognitively impairing to the care recipient.

Please register here.

Caregiving in Aging Families Series: Family Systems Shifting into Caregiving
2024-09-13 10:00 - 12:00
Speaker: Sara Qualls, PhD, ABPP
Dates and Times: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Friday of September from 8-11AM PT/9AM-11AM MT/10AM-12PM CT/11AM-1PM ET
When caregiving challenges family systems in the later part of life, individuals and families often struggle with practical and emotional burdens that are too often fraught with family conflict. Families with long histories are expected to engage in novel work related to declining functional health of aging member(s) without training. Not surprisingly, many families find themselves overwhelmed with practical tasks that are emotionally loaded and interpersonally complicated. In this three-part series, participants from all mental health professions are invited to consider how the intersection of three major bodies of research on family development, family systems, and successful aging can help them guide family members toward more successful strategies to handle the very daunting tasks they face.

Learning Objectives

Learners who participate in the full series will be able to:
Identify the key constructs of family systems theory
Describe how family systems are affected by developmental tasks of adulthood
Discuss how caregiving shifts family system dynamics
Differentiate first order and second order systems change intervention strategies for caregivers

Please register here.

Caregiving in Aging Families Series: Growing Caregivers into Successful Aging
2024-09-20 10:00 - 12:00
Speaker: Sara Qualls, PhD, ABPP
Dates and Times: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Friday of September from 11AM-1PM CT / 10AM-12PM MT to 10AM-12PM CT / 9-11AM MT
When caregiving challenges family systems in the later part of life, individuals and families often struggle with practical and emotional burdens that are too often fraught with family conflict. Families with long histories are expected to engage in novel work related to declining functional health of aging member(s) without training. Not surprisingly, many families find themselves overwhelmed with practical tasks that are emotionally loaded and interpersonally complicated. In this three-part series, participants from all mental health professions are invited to consider how the intersection of three major bodies of research on family development, family systems, and successful aging can help them guide family members toward more successful strategies to handle the very daunting tasks they face.

Learning Objectives

List three caregiver roles that require adaptation to manage caregiver burden and foster growth
Describe how multiple family members’ roles impact the caregiving experience
Explain client resistance to self-care from a family systems framework
Discuss growth opportunities for caregivers as families interface with formal care systems

Please register here.
