Webinar: The “3rd Shift” Caregiving Survival Kit

Monday, March 8, 2027, at Noon (CT) / 1 PM (ET) / 10 AM (PT)

The “3rd Shift” Caregiving Survival Kit

Mollie Toppe, Pi Chapter, West Virginia University, and Barbara Dunn Swanson (IA)

Many Extension professionals spend their days teaching life skills—yet when caregiving enters our own lives, we’re often unprepared for the “3rd shift”: working our jobs, caring for our households, and supporting an aging or ill family member. This webinar blends field-tested caregiving “wish we didn’t know this” lessons with an evidence-based caregiver education program that helps caregivers take better care of themselves while caring for someone else. 

Through small group and large group discussion, participants will:

1. Identify immediate “caregiving readiness” steps (documents, access, contacts, and basic organization).

2. Use a set of guided questions to start family conversations about aging, finances, medical decisions, and end-of-life preferences.

3. Describe what Powerful Tools for Caregivers is (six sessions, facilitated format) and how it supports caregiver skills and well-being.