This session explores the challenges caregivers face, particularly during COVID-19 pandemic, as well as best practices and realistic ways to help manage stress to support your own well-being. Caregiving resources, including those offered by MDF, are discussed by the Family Caregiver Alliance and MDF’s own Caregiving Support Group Facilitator.

Presented during the New to the DM Community Track at the MDF 2020 Virtual Conference.

About the presenters:

Christina Irving, LCSW
Christina Irving is the Client Services Director at Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA). She oversees the staff of the Bay Area Caregiver Resource Center who provide direct services to family caregivers, including assessment, counseling, education, and support. She has been with FCA for over 14 years, first as a Family Consultant and then as Clinical Supervisor. She received a Master’s degree in Social Work from San Jose State University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Ted Salwin
Ted Salwin is the Support Group Facilitator for Indianapolis, Indiana alongside Suzette Ison. Ted's DM story began as the caregiver for his wife and son - both affected by DM1. Ted's wife had adult onset while his son had congenital myotonic dystrophy. They have both lost their battles with DM. Ted spent many years believing that everyone with DM1 existed only under his roof, and had no clue that there was a community dealing with the same disease. He strongly believes in the community and the information MDF provides. This very week Ted shared the Cardiology Toolkit with a family, and sincerely hopes it helped them. Ted spent many years trying to understand this disease on his own, but if he can help it, no one should feel as alone as he did... ever.