Events

Parents often need to speak up and advocate for their children, especially kids who have extra health, behavioral, learning, and/or developmental needs. Discover how you can build your advocacy skills as you navigate school, medical, and government support systems. We’ll cover 1) which skills are needed for effective advocacy, 2) how to collaborate with decision-makers, 3) how to negotiate to overcome objections, 4) where to find help if you’re not making progress. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

Family support and acceptance are critical for youth who identify as LGBTQIA2S+. As your child learns to navigate a world that is not always welcoming, you can help them on the journey toward self-acceptance, happiness, and success. Join this webinar to learn how to best support a child or younger loved one who is LGBTQIA2S+. You’ll learn 1) strategies for communicating openly and lovingly with your child, 2) ways to educate other family members and friends, 3) advocacy steps both you and your child can take and how to support your child’s self-advocacy, and 4) supports available for your child at home and in school. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

Death and taxes – both are said to be unavoidable! In this webinar, while we won’t be talking about taxes, we will be focusing on options for end-of-life care. Many individuals and caregivers would benefit from a better understanding of hospice and what the Medicare hospice benefit provides for the patient and their family. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about options available when end-of-life approaches. We’ll cover 1) the difference between hospice care and palliative care (hint: palliative care is available to patients with or without hospice), 2) when hospice care may be helpful (hint: many patients request/receive hospice care much later than they would qualify and miss out on services that would benefit them), 3) how Medicare’s hospice benefit works in both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans, and 4) how to find and assess potential Hospice providers in your area. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

New research, new medications, and new approaches to dementia care continue to emerge. In this webinar, the presenter will share some of the latest research and thoughts about dementia diagnosis and treatment. Sign up to keep up with trends in the field ― whether your loved one has a confirmed dementia diagnosis (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body Dementia, Vascular Dementia) or not. The more you know, the better you will understand options for care. Understanding changes and new approaches for diagnosis and treatment will put you in the best position to advocate effectively for your loved one. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

Today, 15% of high school students have used illegal drugs and 14% have misused prescription opioids. Learn about evidence-based prevention principles that can help parents manage the risks of teen substance use. We’ll cover 1) substance use risk factors, 2) signs that your teen might have a problem with substance use, 3) substance use prevention strategies, and 4) how to support your teen if they’re struggling with substance use. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

In most schools and families, once-classic childhood activities – such as climbing trees, rolling down hills, or even recess – have been replaced by “safer” ones, such as adult-supervised extracurriculars, accelerated academics, and screen time. But could our desire to keep our kids out of harm’s way and on the path to achievement be negatively impacting their cognitive and physical development? Sign up to hear an expert discuss the importance of outdoor play, unrestrained physical movement, and their impact on our children’s brains and nervous systems. You’ll learn 1) why too little outdoor play may be contributing to epidemic levels of sensory processing disorders, attention deficits, and anxiety, 2) what amount of outdoor play is considered optimal for healthy development and the types of activities that may be beneficial, and 3) how you can help your child re-engage with the wonder of the world outside. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides health insurance and other benefits to many different categories of Veterans. Learn more and explore whether your loved one may be eligible for help with insurance, facility-based long-term care, or in-home assistance. You'll also learn about VA caregiver benefits, such as training and support that you and other family caregivers may be able to take advantage of as you care for a loved one who served in the U.S. armed forces. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

Food and diet can have an enormous impact on many aspects of your loved one's life. Are you concerned that your friend or family member is 1) getting enough to eat?, 2) getting the right mix of proteins, carbs, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals?, and 3) correctly following a special diet because of their medical needs? The presenter will discuss ways to help a loved one improve their diet, meet their nutritional needs, and enjoy their meals and snacks. They will also share ways to make mealtimes easier with special utensils and dishes that accommodate arthritic hands, vision impairments, or other conditions that can make eating or drinking more challenging. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

Your child has the right to a quality education. We’ll help you understand the steps you can take and the resources available to help your child access the services and support they are entitled to. We’ll cover 1) why it’s important to build a complete portrait of your child, 2) what educational supports are available in public school, including the response-to-intervention (RTI) framework, 504 plans, and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for eligible children with disabilities, 3) what rights you and your child have, and 4) where to learn about new and current guidance from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

Meltdowns, outbursts, and other challenging behaviors can be exhausting for both kids and parents. Join us and discover how you can help your kids develop the skills they need to understand and express their emotions and self-regulate their behavior. We’ll discuss practical strategies to help you 1) uncover the cause of your child’s challenging behavior, 2) understand how you can help your child before, during, and after a meltdown, 3) teach your child how to express their feelings, and 4) provide your child with effective self-regulation techniques. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

Anxiety and depression are not a normal part of aging. And because older people may have different symptoms than younger people ― sadness is often not their main symptom ― families and even professionals can miss the diagnosis. One result: older adults may be undertreated or not treated at all. Depression is more common in people who are experiencing losses in independence or functionality or have other illnesses, such as heart disease or cancer. Join this webinar to learn more about the risks, signs, and symptoms of anxiety or depression in older adults. Get strategies to help a friend or family member get the help they need to get better. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

Most of us understand that the rewards of nurturing our own well-being accrue to everyone around us. Unfortunately, as caregivers, we sometimes feel like we can’t take time for ourselves because there are so many things we just haven’t gotten to yet or think we “should” be doing! But we truly need to focus our energy and resources on what will sustain us throughout the caregiving journey. Taking care of an ill or aging loved one is a marathon — not a sprint! Join us for this webinar where we'll explore 1) helpful practices for preserving your energy, nourishing your spirit, and preventing burnout, 2) tips for fitting self-care into an already packed schedule, and 3) strategies for managing guilt and other emotions that often accompany being a caregiver. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

ADHD impacts about one in 10 school-age children. Sign up to learn how ADHD is diagnosed, how it can impact your child’s time management and executive function skills, and what treatment options you may wish to consider. We’ll discuss 1) how to help your child recognize and leverage their unique strengths, 2) how ADHD can look different in boys and girls, 3) which behavioral strategies may be helpful for your child and your family, and 4) how to work with school to make sure your child receives the support they need. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

Juggling a job and a family is tough. Add complications, such as a child with special needs, hybrid workweeks, or older parents who need your help, and you’ve got a recipe for burnout. Register for this webinar to learn what you can do to take some of the pressure off and maintain (or restore!) your good humor and good will. You’ll learn practical strategies for 1) making the most of finite resources, like time and energy, 2) remaining centered in daily life, even on days when everything goes sideways, 3) reducing stress through mindfulness and meditation, and 4) teaching stress-relieving techniques to your kids so the whole family can benefit. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.

Join the Caregiver Survival Kit webinar for an overview of caregiving for an aging, ill, or disabled loved one. This presentation is a great refresher (or intro) to caregiving basics, with up-to-date information, resources, and practical tools to make caregiving easier. Get support for making decisions on topics such as Medicare and Medicaid, long-term care insurance, home care, or moving; learn how to deal with family dynamics; take care of your own needs; and advocate effectively. Whatever your caregiving situation, this webinar will point you in the right direction. To register, log in or create your account at dxc.torchlight.care and go to Webinars.