Caregiving Essentials and Caregiving Strategies are two free online courses for family members or friends who are caregivers.  These courses have been created by McMaster Continuing Education and the Regional Geriatric Programs of Ontario (RGPO), respectively.

Both courses are targeted towards caregivers of older adults. Caregiving Strategies emphasizes strategies for caregivers of older adults with frailty. Caregiving Essentials emphasizes care of the caregiver. Both courses are offered entirely online, free of charge, are self-paced and not for academic credit.

These courses can be taken consecutively, concurrently, or each may be taken as a standalone course. They are complementary, rather than duplicative, in nature.

Caregiving Essentials provides fundamental information about the caregiver role, including legal and financial information, system navigation and self-care. Up-to-date course information can be found here: https://mcmastercce.ca/caregiving-essentials

The Caregiving Strategies course is more clinical in nature, providing detailed information on practical topics including Pain, Staying Active, Nutrition and Bladder Health, Social Engagement, Delirium and more. Up-to-date course information can be found here: https://www.rgps.on.ca/caregiving-strategies/  Tools, tips, resources and downloadable information is offered on the Caregiving Strategies website as well, for those who prefer not to take a course.

What’s coming up?

For information on what’s coming up at Community Care and the County Seniors Centre check the website at www.communitycareforseniors.org

Upcoming County Seniors Centre programs It’s important that people call and register for all programs.  When you do so we will give you all the details.  If you don’t register there’s the chance that a program/event will be cancelled.  Just showing up to the first class or to an event is really not an option.  Please call 613-476-7493 and register.

Social Euchre starts on Tues. Feb. 4,in the Hillier Town Hall and runs for 10 weeks.  Come and enjoy some social time and cards with old and new friends.

Protecting Yourself from Fraud is the title of a great presentation to be held on Mon., Feb. 24 at Wellington on the Lake Recreation Centre.  Hearing Help Classes for hard of hearing people and their partners is coming up soon.  For all of the above events and series you must call ahead and register.

-Debbie MacDonald Moynes