Caregivers Find Community and Support at PCA National Caregiver Month Workshop
On Thursday, November 20, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s (PCA) Caregiver Support Program hosted a special Workshop for Caregivers to celebrate National Caregiver Month. Held in the second-floor auditorium at 642 N. Broad St., the half-day event brought together family caregivers from across the city for learning, connection, and self-care. From 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., participants were welcomed with free parking and a complimentary lunch, creating a warm and accessible environment for those who devote so much of their time to caring for others.
The workshop featured a series of interactive and informative sessions tailored to the real-life challenges caregivers face. Attendees heard an overview of The AARP Caregiver Answer Book during an engaging Q&A-style discussion, giving them the opportunity to get practical answers to common caregiving questions. Author Deborah Derrickson Kossmann, Psy.D., shared a personal story in “Lost Found Kept – Hoarding and Tips for Surviving,” offering insight and strategies for families coping with hoarding behaviors. The Affordable Housing Centers of Pennsylvania led “The Will Power Program,” which provided an accessible introduction to wills and estate planning, helping caregivers understand how to protect themselves and the loved ones they support.
In addition to educational content, the workshop emphasized rest, connection, and wellness—elements that are often missing from caregivers’ busy lives. Participants were encouraged to take time to relax, share experiences with one another, and build a network of peer support. A closing wellness activity reinforced the importance of self-care as a vital part of caregiving. By the end of the event, caregivers left not only with new information and resources, but also with a renewed sense of community and encouragement, reflecting PCA’s mission of enriching lives and preserving dignity for older adults and those who care for them.
