Caregiver Conference 2026

Description

21st Annual Avenidas Caregiver Conference Empowered Caregiving: Knowledge, Resources, and ResilienceThis conference is designed to support and educate family caregivers, solo agers, health care and social services professionals, as well as community members about both the challenges and the opportunities in their journeys of providing care.8:30 to 9:30 amRegistration, coffee, and vendor tables9:30 to 10:20 am - KEYNOTE Empowering Caregivers Through Their Unpredictable JourneyDr. Katherine Ward, MDClinical Professor, Stanford MedicineClinical Section Chief, Geriatric MedicineSessions Please choose one session to attend in each time slot. Choices can be made at checkout. For session descriptions please visit our website at www.avenidas.org 10:30 to 11:30 am – KNOWLEDGE Choose one 10:30 am session to attend.• Caring with Confidence: What Every Dementia Caregiver Should Know Presented by Vanessa Souza, LCSW Senior Manager, Community EngagementAlzheimer's Association | Northern California and Northern Nevada Chapter• When Health Changes Everything: Caring for a Loved One with Chronic IllnessPresented by Ranak TrivediAssociate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Public Mental Health and Population Sciences)• From Chaos to Confidence: Navigating the Hospital JourneyPresented by Elizabeth Kerr, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, APHSW-CSocial Work Manager, Case Management & Social Work DepartmentEl Camino Hospital• Aging Wisely: Fact or Fiction? When Is It Time for a Second Opinion?Presented by Mehrdad Ayati, MDDirector, The Geriatric Center, Los Altos, CAAdjunct Associate Professor of Medicine, Geriatric MedicineStanford University School of Medicine11:30 to 11:40 am - BREAK11:40 am to 12:40 pm – RESOURCESChoose one 11:40 am session to attend.•Navigating the Maze: Unlocking Medicare, Medi-Cal & Long-Term Care ResourcesPresented by Jennifer PardiniEducation and Events ManagerCalifornia Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR)•Building Your Care Team: Respite Resources for Aging at HomePanel Discussion Featuring Community Care Experts•When Home Is No Longer the Best Option: Exploring Senior Living ChoicesPresented by Yadira Aldana and Alan BraunerHealth & Wellness Administrator, Channing HouseReferral Specialist, Senior Seasons•From Overwhelmed to Prepared: Navigating Hospital Discharge & Recovery at HomePresented by Paula Wolfson, LCSWAvenidas Social Work Services12:40 to 1:30 pm - LUNCH (see options below)Choose your lunch at checkout. Visit sponsor and resource tables.1:30 to 2:30 pm – RESILIENCE Choose one 1:30 pm session to attend.•Caring for Someone Who Did Not Care for YouPresented by Christina Irving, LCSW Client Services Director, Family Caregiver Alliance•Grieving While Caregiving: Navigating Losses Along the WayPresented by Christine Kovach, LCSWBereavement Services ManagerMission Hospice & Hope Hospice•When Behavior Is Communication: A New Perspective on Dementia CarePresented by Vanessa Valerio, RN, Gerontologist, CMC, CHCACo-Founder, Care Indeed•The Feelings Nobody Talks AboutPresented by Dolores Gallagher Thompson, PhD, ABPPBoard Certified in Clinical Psychology & GeropsychologyProfessor of Research (Emerita, Active), Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral SciencesStanford University School of Medicine2:45 to 3:30 pm – END OF CONFERENCE PANELWhat I Wish I Knew Before My Caregiving Journey BeganA Panel Discussion Featuring Family CaregiversPlease choose one lunch option at checkout:Turkey, cranberry & brie wrap with baby kale (d)(g)Ham, & Dijon mustard aioli on grain bread with baby spinach (d)(g)Roasted garlic hummus wrap, grilled eggplant and pickled red onions with mixed greens (v)(ve)(gf)All lunches come with:Marinated local artichoke salad (v)(ve)(gf)Avenidas seasoned chips (v)(ve)(gf)Pick me up energy bites (v)(ve)(gf)(n)Fresh persimmon(d) contains dairy(g) contains gluten(n) contains nuts(v) suitable for vegetarians(ve) suitable for vegans(gf) gluten friendlyThank you to our sponsors: City of Los Altos, AHA, AARP California, Care Indeed, Caring Hands Caregivers, Channing House, Family Matters In-Home Care, FirstLight Home Care, Home Instead, Hood & Strong, Nancy Goldcamp, Oakmont of Redwood City, Right at Home, Seniors at Home, Senior Seasons, Sourcewise, Tailored Transitions, The Avant/Palo Alto Commons.