Avenidas is launching a new series of monthly Care Forum workshops in collaboration with two local elder care experts, Dr. Ellen Brown and Dr. Rita Ghatak, to address important topics that the pandemic brought to the forefront, such as how to navigate health care systems, deal with dementia care and isolation, and handle advance care planning, all critical issues families should discuss. These workshops, moderated by Paula Wolfson, LCSW, Avenidas Care Partners, will help revitalize your caregiving strategies!
The 2021 Avenidas Care Forum Schedule
To register, click the buttons below or email register@avenidas.org. Zoom meeting links will be mailed to registered participants.
Questions? Call Paula at (650) 289-5438.
SESSION 1
April 28, 11-12:30pm
Navigating Your Health During the Pandemic
Practical tips for routine care and illness.
SESSION 2
May 26, 11-12:30pm
Patients and Caregivers–The New Unit of Care
Supporting caregivers and guiding the conversation with providers.
SESSION 3
June 23, 11-12:30pm
Caring for Someone with Dementia & Preserving Brain Health
How to best take care of yourself and your loved one with dementia.
SESSION 4
August 25, 11-12:30pm
How The Pandemic Changed Advance Care Planning
Why it is more important now than ever to have those crucial conversations with loved ones.
SESSION 5
September 22, 11am-12:30pm
Strategies for Care and Conversations Regarding Chronic Illness, Palliative Care & Hospice
This session will discuss important strategies for communicating with providers and family members when dealing with chronic and serious illness, the differences between hospice and palliative care and when it may be time and/or appropriate to ask for these services. Learn about the changes in Hospice and Palliative care during the pandemic. Join elder care experts Dr. Rita Ghatak and Dr. Ellen Brown for an educational and informative discussion designed to help family caregivers obtain support when caring for a loved one with chronic, serious or terminal illness.
SESSION 6
October 27, 11am-12:30pm
Planning, Conversations and Concerns Regarding Discharge from the Hospital During the Pandemic
Hospital discharges are fraught with potential for trouble due to miscommunication or misunderstanding. During the pandemic, this was heightened by the inability of caregivers to often be present at the time of discharge. Elder care experts Dr. Rita Ghatak and Dr. Ellen Brown will discuss various aspects of discharge and provide helpful tips on ways to minimize problems during this transition home.
Handouts – Click to View or Download
Speakers
Dr. Ellen Brown
Palliative Care Consultant
Dr. Ellen Brown is a pioneer in developing the role of the hospice physician in the Bay Area. She has served the community by providing care in the home to thousands of hospice patients and their families in her 20 years at Pathways Hospice. She has trained countless Stanford Palliative Medicine and Geriatrics fellows who now provide care throughout the United States.
Dr. Rita Ghatak
Director, Aging & Adult Services, Stanford University Medical Center
Dr. Rita Ghatak has been working extensively for two and a half decades in the field of aging with direct care, research, and education. Most recently the Founder/Director of Aging Adult Services at Stanford University Medical Center, she is now the CEO/Founder of Aging 101, an entity providing multiple services to older adults. Dr. Ghatak teaches extensively and is active in research and policy.
Moderator
Paula Wolfson, LCSW
Manager, Avenidas Care Partners
Paula Wolfson is an elder care social worker with over 30 years on the front lines of patient care advocacy. Paula facilitates multiple caregiver support groups, conducts elder care consults, and is active on the Palo Alto Age Friendly Committee.