URBANA, Ill. — Caregivers in long-term care settings face growing challenges as they support aging populations with complex physical, emotional, and cognitive needs. From managing dementia-related behaviors to addressing social isolation and limited resources, the challenges can be overwhelming, impacting both the quality of care and caregiver well-being.
To help meet demand, University of Illinois Extension is offering the Thinking, Learning, and Caring webinar series, designed for caregivers and professionals who work with older adults. The monthly series delivers practical, research-based strategies to build resilience, expand knowledge, and enhance care in long-term care environments.
“Bullying and dementia are serious challenges in long-term care, affecting both residents and caregivers. Through the Thinking, Learning, Caring webinar series, caregivers will gain tools to create safer, more respectful environments,” says Robin Ridgley, family life educator. “Caregivers will also learn how time in nature can restore balance and build resilience.”
Event Details
All sessions are presented from 2 to 3 p.m., and topics include:
- Wellness in Nature | Sept. 11
Discover how a few mindful moments outdoors can boost mental and physical well-being. - Dementia Friends | Oct. 9
Learn simple ways to better understand, support, and connect with people living with dementia. - Bully Among Older Adults | Nov. 6
Recognize the signs of senior bullying and learn how to respond with empathy and action.
Register for free at: go.illinois.edu/TLCWebinars2025.
Continuing education units, or CEUs, are available.
If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate, contact Robin Ridgley at rridgley@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.
SOURCE: Robin Ridgley, family life educator, Illinois Extension.
WRITER: Herbert Chavez, media communications coordinator, Illinois Extension.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.