Live, online chats for caregivers, Dec. 3 and 4

Are you a caregiver for a senior or an elderly relative? Do you have questions that you haven't asked or haven't gotten answers to? Sometimes being a caregiver can be quite lonely, despite the rewards. As more people begin to take advantage of the Internet, those who may not have had support before may only need to turn on their computer to find it now.

I received a press release from Rite Aid, which is holding two online chats (live) on December 3 and 4 at noon EST. Here is the press release I received:

Chats Feature Expert Advice from Geriatric Experts and a Rite Aid Pharmacist, Provide Online Network of Support for Caregivers


Camp Hill, PA (December 2, 2008) – On December 3 and 4, Rite Aid will host two free, live online chats to help caregivers find solutions to everyday problems ad answer common caregiver questions. To participate in the online chat, caregivers must register online at www.giving-care.riteaid.com. Questions also may be submitted by email prior to the event by sending an e-mail to expertevent@riteaid.com. Caregivers who are unable to participate in the event can view and print a transcript online after the event. Additional events will be available on the Web site as they are scheduled.

On Wednesday, December 3, from 12-1 p.m. EST, Attorney Vincent J. Russo, ESQ, will answer questions on elder law, special needs and estate planning. Elder Care Expert and Geriatric Care Manager Dr. Marion Somers, PhD, will discuss topics ranging from home safety to senior-friendly technology.

On Thursday, December 4, from 12-1 p.m. EST, Susan Strecker Richard, editor-in-chief of Caring Today, will offer advice on how to care for loved ones without sacrificing your own wellbeing and answer general questions on caregiving. Rite Aid pharmacist Natalie Teaff, R.Ph, will answer questions on medications, therapies and medication interactions.

The chats are part of Rite Aid’s “Giving Care for Parents” program that launched in September. The program includes a 20-page Caregivers Guide offering hints on financial planning and strategies for balancing careers and personal lives, especially when living with loved ones. It also has information on support groups, programs and resources such as medical facilities and businesses catering to seniors and caregivers.

If you do participate, can you let us know how it went? Unfortunately, although I'm almost always around, those two particular days, I won't be.

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Tags: seniors blog, caregivers, elder care, geriatric care, senior-friendly technology, caregiving, vincent J. Russo, Marion Somers, PhD, Susan Strecker Richard, Natalie Teaff, RPh, caregivers guide