Continuing Education
| Untangling the Quagmire of Elder Care: What Mental Health Professionals Need to Know to Support Aging Clients & their Family Members | ||||||||||||||||||||
The aging population is rapidly growing in our country. A recent study by the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) and AARP estimates that there are 44 million caregivers in the United States today, many whom are caring for a family member over the age of 50. Unfortunately, few caregivers have access to the resources and support they need to manage this process the best way for both their aging family members and themselves. Many therapists are also discovering that they are not adequately prepared to provide the support and assistance their clients need to help with these unique age-related burdens. This course outlines the challenges that both aging clients and their caregivers face and serves as a resource to the therapists who assist them. Local, regional and national support networks will be provided, which shed light on issues related to illness, loss, disability, reduced income, substance abuse, drug misuse, cognitive decline, elder abuse, death and dying. Participants will learn to work with a network of allied health professionals (from long term care facilities, hospitals, pharmacies and family support agencies) as care partners, and will be given practical tips to help them best serve as advocates for the elderly. Legal and ethical concerns, issues of diversity and self care will also be discussed. This course meets and exceeds the Aging & Long-Term Care requirements for psychologists, MFTs & LCSWs. Instructor Biographies Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC, is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist and a certified Professional Geriatric Care Manager. In 1989, Linda envisioned and started Eldercare Services, a full service professional care management, care-giving and family education business. Her organization serves the entire SF Bay Area with offices in Walnut Creek, San Francisco and Marin through the contributions of 20 professionals and over 200 caregivers. Linda has been honored with various awards, including the John F. Kennedy University, Laureate Award, 2007, for outstanding service to her community. Linda is currently the President Elect of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. Cazeaux Nordstrum, MFT, is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice in Walnut Creek and San Rafael, with 25 years as a specialist in the area of aging as well as acute, chronic and life-threatening illnesses. She teaches courses on the assessment and treatment of mental illness in older adults for JFK University Continuing Education and at UC Berkeley extension. For the last 10 years has designed and taught cross-cultural educational programs on the topics of aging, dementia, care-giving, depression, anxiety and mental health issues. Cazeaux has also served as support for staff and families in the areas of death, dying and grief in Japan. |
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