Free events to celebrate and support caregivers

By Mayo Clinic staff

November is National Family Caregivers Month. If you care for a family member or friend undergoing cancer treatment, you are a caregiver — one of more than 53 million Americans who provide unpaid care for an adult or child with health or functional needs.

The Stephen and Barbara Slaggie Family Cancer Education Center at Mayo Clinic is hosting a series of virtual and in-person events throughout the month to help caregivers reduce stress, connect with other caregivers, and care for their needs, hopes and desires. Taking time to recharge your mind, body, and spirit can help you be a better caregiver.

Virtual events

Join virtual events at this Zoom link.

• Meeting ID: 910 1818 7582
• Passcode: 062443

Nov. 1

• 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. CT: Panel discussion with Mayo Clinic caregiving experts, including Joan Griffin, Ph.D.; Jose Morales Rosas, M.T.S.; and Ellen Wild, R.N., CHPN
• 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. CT: Laughter yoga
• 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. CT:  Nutrition tips for cancer survivors

Nov. 8

• 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. CT: Nutrition tips for cancer survivors

Nov. 10

• 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. CT: Laughter yoga

Nov. 14

• 12 to 12:30 p.m. CT: Nutrition tips for cancer survivors

Nov. 17

• 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. CT: Laughter yoga

Nov. 22

• 12 to 12:30 p.m. CT: Laughter yoga

Nov. 28

• 12 to 12:30 p.m. CT: Nutrition tips for cancer survivors

Nov. 29

• 12 to 12:30 p.m. CT: Laughter yoga

In-person events

Free in-person integrative therapy sessions, including art, massage, meditation and animal-assisted programs, will be hosted at the Cancer Education Center in the lobby of the Gonda Building at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. See the full schedule of events.

The Cancer Education Center will host multiple in-person sessions of these programs between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT on Mondays:

• Nov. 6: Reiki
• Nov. 13: Group meditation
• Nov. 20: Aromatherapy for hand massage
• Nov. 27: Primer on self-hand massage

Call 507-266-2991 to reserve a spot to attend one of these sessions.

Additional resources

Join the Caregivers Support Group on Mayo Clinic Connect, an online community connecting patients and caregivers.

Read these articles:

• "Cancer caregivers: 3 tips for communicating with your loved one’s care team"
• "Cancer and the holidays: Tips for understanding and coping with your emotions"
• "What to expect when caring for someone with cancer"

Take an online course:

• "Nutrition during cancer treatment"
• "Stress management for cancer"

Find additional resources in the Cancer Education Center's video library.