By Susan Belgrade, LCSW
Senior Director of Multipurpose and Senior Centers

As a social worker—and as someone who cared for both my mother and my mother-in-law for many years—I know firsthand how overwhelming caregiving can be. Between doctors’ visits, medications, finances, and safety concerns at home, caregiving often feels like a second full-time job. Even with my professional background, I often wondered how families without training could possibly manage.

That’s why we created the Caregiver Learning Series at Jewish Family Service LA: to give families the tools, knowledge, and support they need so they don’t have to figure it all out alone.

My professional journey has always been rooted in care. At JFSLA, I’ve worked directly with Holocaust survivors and frail older adults, often stepping in when families lived far away or were in conflict about next steps. As a case manager, I was sometimes the one who made sure an elder wasn’t taken advantage of, that they got to the hospital safely, or that they received hospice care when the time came. Those experiences—and my personal caregiving for my own family—shaped this program.

What You’ll Learn

Each month, we’ll cover topics that matter deeply to caregivers:

• Navigating family disagreements and communicating with loved ones.
• Understanding Medicare, Medi-Cal, and in-home supportive services.
• Legal planning: wills, trusts, and advanced directives.
• Caring at home, adult day health programs, and facility placement options.
  Managing dementia, hospice, and end-of-life care.
• Financial planning and long-term care insurance.

We’ll also talk about the importance of caregiver self-care. If you’re not taking care of yourself, it becomes impossible to care for your loved one.

One of the strengths of JFSLA is that we can bridge critical gaps for families. Through JFSLA Care and our concierge care management services, we help older adults live safely at home, and we support their families in navigating tough decisions. We’ve seen the difference it makes when a trusted professional steps in—whether it’s arranging reliable caregivers, preventing falls, or protecting someone’s finances. These are the lessons and resources we’re bringing to the series.

We’re also grateful for our partnership with Mount Sinai, which has helped us build this program and offer it free of charge. Their support allows us to extend resources to families at one of the most difficult times in life—when planning for or coping with the loss of a loved one. Together, we’re making sure no family has to go through this journey without guidance and compassion.

Caregiving is never easy. But you don’t have to do this alone. Join us for the Caregiver Learning Series, ask your questions, and find both answers and community. We’re here for you—every step of the way.

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JFSLA’s Caregiver Learning Series meets every 3^rd Wednesday of each month thru March 2026 via Zoom and in-person at 330 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles 90036. RSVP:Kimiko Kelly at kkelly@jfsla.org or 323-556-2919.