Skyline Happenings

KEYNOTE: Dr. Raina Croff, Assistant Professor of Neurology at Oregon
Health & Science University, will present “Black Joy Matters for
Caregiver Health.” Learn about joyful activities that improve health as
we age and the joy of walking and talking for brain health.

Attend virtually at this link.

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter once remarked that there are only four types of people in the world—those who have been caregivers, those who are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.

One of the common themes in caregiving circles is stress. Per a recent Family Caregiver Support Month in Seattle proclamation from the City of Seattle:

“… most family caregivers experience significant stress, frustration, anxiety, and exhaustion, and potentially anger and depression, as they balance work and family responsibilities and personal time; ensure safety; make end-of-life decisions; and manage challenging behaviors and conditions.”

“Let’s face it—even in the best of circumstances and recognizing it as one of the most important roles any of us may take on, family caregiving is stressful,” said Karen Winston, a senior planner in Seattle Human Services’ Aging and Disability Services division and coordinator of an annual African American Caregivers Forum.

This year’s forum is on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 12–2 p.m. The virtual forum is free to attend. Register online to receive the log-on information. For more information, visit www.agingkingcounty.org/legacyoflove/.

This year’s theme is “Black Joy Matters in Caregiver Health.” The theme comes from this year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Raina Croff, an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Oregon Health & Science University. Her work focuses on how culture impacts health. Her research seeks to increase physical activity and social engagement among older African Americans in ways that celebrate culture, history, and community memory.

“’Black joy’ has nuanced meaning, depending on a person’s lived experiences,” said Winston. “It is centered on Black culture and expression of the positive, joyful aspects of Black lives. In the context of caregiving, Black joy includes love plus self-care, self-expression, and resilience in the face of trauma and anticipated loss.”

All family caregivers, regardless of race, will benefit from participating in this year’s forum—a two-hour virtual event that includes Dr. Croff’s keynote address, mentioned above, as well as presentation that will help demystify hospice and end of life, by Catherine Cordova. A perennial favorite—a panel discussion in which three local caregivers share their personal caregiving journeys—rounds out the agenda. This year’s panel comprises Helen Sawyer, Minister Wilhelmina Daniel, and Michelle Williams. Discussion will be moderated by Sharon Sobers-Outlaw.

The 2022 African American Caregivers Forum is co-sponsored by AARP Washington, Aging and Disability Services, the African American Elders Program at Catholic Community Services, Mayor’s Council on African American Elders, National Association of Social Workers, Seattle Human Services, and Sound Generations.

For nationwide information about the impact of caregiving on finances, health, and wellbeing among people of African descent, read  “The ‘Typical’ African American Caregiver” (AARP Family# Caregiving, May 2020).

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Keynote speaker Dr. Raina Croff