A Program of the Mental Health Association of Maryland
Engaging with Older Adults Webinar Series
Join us in making a difference in the lives of older adults
Upcoming Webinars
The aging process can bring a variety of changes in people, which can affect them physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. These changes occur at different rates for each individual, depending on multiple factors.
Want to learn about these changes and how to best support older adults? Join the Mental Health Association of Maryland with the Engage with® Older Adults Webinar Series.,
Our webinar series will help you:
- Build deeper connections – Effective communication fosters more meaningful interactions with older adults
- Adjust/Tailor communication for unique needs – Each individual ages differently. This training will teach the key pillars of communication, helping participants adapt their approach to the specific needs of older adults, including practical strategies for communicating with those experiencing cognitive decline.
- Combat loneliness and isolation – Older adults face increased loneliness and isolation. By improving communication skills, we can make older adults feel more valued and connected, reducing their isolation, and improving mental wellbeing.
- Mutual respect & trust – A foundation of respect is essential when communicating with older adults, especially when navigating sensitive topics like mental well-being, grief/loss, and bullying. This training will show participants how to communicate respectfully, helping preserve the dignity of older adults and ensuring they feel heard and understood.
- Improve quality of care – For those working with older adults, effective communication is crucial to understanding their needs. This training provides tools to improve care quality and ensure older adults feel respected and supported.
- Strengthen communities – Meaningful connections with older adults enrich our communities; they are a living link to our culture & traditions. Connecting with older adults benefits everyone, fostering a sense of identity, belonging, and intergenerational support.
Learn more and register for an upcoming webinar by exploring our webinar links below.
Upcoming Webinars
12
NOV
Gifts of Gratitude and Self-Care
As we all prepare for a busy year-end and holiday season, it is more important than ever to practice self-care. Holidays can be challenging for many people, especially for those in a caregiver role. Whether you’re a caregiver, healthcare professional, or simply someone looking to improve relationships with older adults, this webinar offers valuable tools to support enhance those relationships by focusing inward.
Discover self-care strategies that will help instill gratitude in daily life and reduce holiday stress.
Key Takeaways:
- Define gratitude, Holiday stress, and self-care.
- Describe positive impacts of gratitude.
- Apply strategies to support self-care during the holiday season.
Social workers completing this webinar can earn up to 1 continuing education credit for participation.
10
DEC
Coping with Grief and Loss During the Holidays
The holiday season can be a time of great joy and celebration, but it can also bring on feelings of grief and loss. Holidays can be challenging for older adults who may be grieving the loss of a loved one or a change in tradition. Whether you’re a caregiver, healthcare professional, or simply someone looking to improve relationships with older adults, this webinar offers valuable tools to understand grief and how to support those struggling with its effects.
Key Takeaways:
- Describe the psychology behind grief, loss, and bereavement.
- Explain how the holidays can worsen grief.
- Identify and apply resources to support grief and loss.
Past Recordings & Resources
In this webinar, participants explored the key principles of effective communication with older adults. This training is valuable for anyone who regularly interacts with older adults, including caregivers, first responders, healthcare staff, librarians, customer service professionals, etc. It provides practical strategies to enhance your communication skills, with a focus on the importance of respect and empathy in building trust.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the core principles of effective communication.
- Learn how respect and empathy are essential to creating meaningful connections.
- Gain actionable strategies to improve your communication skills with older adults.
Resources:
Effective Communication Summary Handout
About this Webinar Series
This webinar series is being offered by Mental Health Association of Maryland , thanks to generous grant funding from Behavioral Health System Baltimore
A Non-profit Initiative of the Mental Health Association of Maryland
About Engage with® Skills Training Program
People experience great changes with the aging process, physical, cognitive, emotional, social and spiritually. Elevate your competencies in empathy, respect, and effective communication to better support older adults with our proven evidence based virtual training, relevant to anyone that touches the lives of an older adult.
Behavioral Health System Baltimore
Behavioral Health System Baltimore, Inc. is a nonprofit organization tasked by Baltimore City to perform the function of managing Baltimore City’s behavioral health system—the system of care that addresses emotional health and well-being and provides services for individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. They help guide innovative approaches to prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery for those who are dealing with mental health and substance use disorders to help build healthier individuals, stronger families and safer communities.
