Caregivers of an aging parent or senior spouse are experiencing unique challenges and a myriad of emotions during the pandemic. It is more important than ever to have accurate information and expert advice on the safety and security of living in a retirement home.
“The challenges are immense for all of us who are going through this pandemic. But when you add in the extra layer of what it’s like to be a caregiver during this, it can be completely overwhelming, “ says Dr. Amy D’Aprix, whose Feb. 4 presentation provided practical and emotional advice is available here.
“It’s about the impact on the person you love but it’s also about the impact on you. If the person you care for is isolated, my guess is you’re feeling a lot of stress because of that.”
D’Aprix says many caregivers are more worried that their parents’ physical, mental, and emotional health is suffering – but they don’t know what to do to help.
To support Canadian seniors and their families as they consider these major life decisions, Chartwell Retirement Residences is hosting a free Virtual Speaker Series. Expert presenters will help seniors and caregivers understand their care/support options, whether they can afford retirement living, and why now may be the right time to move for the support they need to make a change for the better.
“One of the things that I know is going on is that people are delaying seeking solutions. They’re saying, I just have to get through this pandemic and then we’ll figure out what’s best for Mom or for Dad or my spouse,” she says. “I want to really encourage you to take action.”
The presentations will be followed by an opportunity for participants to pose their own questions to experts on life transitions, care and affordability.
Four sessions are scheduled for February:
Caregiving During a Pandemic: The Impact on Families
February 4th • 2 PM EST
Guest speaker: Dr. Amy D’Aprix
Dr. Amy D’Aprix is a certified senior advisor, Vice President of the International Federation on Aging, and Co-Founder of the Essential Conversations Project. As a gerontological social worker, she has over 30 years of experience working with older adults and their families.
Dr. D’Aprix will discuss the emotions that many caregivers are experiencing, the risks of delaying support and how congregate living remains safe.
Recording available here.
Comparing the Health Benefits of Retirement Living & Aging at Home
February 11th • 2 PM EST
Amanda Richards, Director, Business Development and Community Integration, Chartwell Retirement Residences
Comparing the impact on health and wellbeing of living alone during the long winter months with living in a safe, social and supported retirement community.
Navigating Your Care & Support Options
February 18th
Our care experts discuss support options available in each province, from homecare to retirement living and long term care, and which lifestyle option may be the best fit.
Ontario • 2 PM EST – Charlotte Miller, Senior Director of Care, Chartwell Retirement Residences
Alberta • 2 PM MST
British Columbia • 2 PM PST
Theresa Alfier, Director Regional Operations & Care, Chartwell Retirement Residences
Affording Retirement Living
February 25th • 2 PM EST
Guest speaker: Kelley Keehn
Kelley Keehn is a Personal Finance Educator, author and speaker with over 20 years of experience in the Canadian finance industry. Keehn answers key financial questions about retirement living, including financial strategies, government subsidies and the myth that living at home is free.
Seniors and families can register for these webinars at chartwell.com/virtualspeakerseries
