Adult Caregivers Employee Resource Group presents “Crucial Conversations: Depression, What Is It? How Do I Cope?”
Date: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 | Time: 12:00-1:00pm | Location: Virtual – Zoom
Event Description
Open and FREE to all faculty, staff, postdocs, and graduate student assistants.
Depression is a true and treatable medical condition, not a normal part of aging. However, older adults are at an increased risk of experiencing depression. If you are concerned about a loved one, check out this session on Crucial Conversations about depression. offer to go with him or her to see a healthcare provider to be diagnosed and treated.
The Employee Resource Group is a free employee-led group (open to all MSU employee types including faculty, academic, support staff, and post-docs) that fosters inclusivity and builds community for those with common lived experiences by providing group discussion and learning opportunities, programming, and platforms for sharing resources. The Adult Caregiver Employee Resource Group is a place for Spartans to connect on adult caregiving issues (including elder care and other adult care, like adult children, spouses, etc.).
The goal of the group is to discuss related topics to connect, share resources, build community, and share best practices regarding adult caregiving.
The Adult Caregiver ERG meets on the 2nd Tuesday from 12-1 pm during the academic year in the form of educational Zoom webinars, interactive “Ask the Expert” panel format meetings, as well as in-person family-friendly programs and events.
No membership is needed and there is no cost to attend.
Learning Objectives
- Depression is a common mood disorder. It’s not a normal part of aging.
- What are the symptoms and causes of depression?
- Strategies to help you identify and integrate coping strategies
- Tips on how to integrate work and caregiving responsibilities.
About the Speaker: Yolanda Pope, LPN, CDP of Dap Services and Resources
Yolanda Pope LPN, CDP of DAP Services and Resources. She is a Licensed Practical Nurse and Certified Dementia Practitioner. She has worked a nurse working specifically with the geriatric population for 16 years. In 2016, she was awarded the Executive Director of the Year award for outstanding leadership and commitment to seniors, their families, and her team.
In 2020, Pope was awarded the “Rosie the Riveter” award for rapidly managing, containing, and preventing the spread of COVID-19 in congregate living settings which resulted in zero hospitalizations and zero deaths of COVID-19 patients in a 90-bed living setting.
Her career has been focused on enhancing the lives of seniors by creating a road map for clinical excellence through education. Pope shares a deep appreciation and commitment to work within healthcare settings that support and promote innovative, cost-effective, and high-quality care that is patient-centered. This has been successfully demonstrated in long-term care, skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living settings. Pope’s passion for working with the geriatric community has driven her to develop, The Dignified Aging Project & DAP Services and Resources.
After serving as an administrator in the senior living industry, she noticed a need for more education, support, and guidance for our seniors, their caregivers, and families. As CEO of The Dignified Aging Project, she has partnered with other CEOs, Administrators, and clinical leaders to create training programs that promote best practices in geriatric care. Additionally, through her role as Executive Director at DAP Services & Resources, she provides support services such as care coordination while also focusing on providing educational opportunities to those who are underserved or overlooked.
In addition to Pope’s professional pursuits, she enjoys painting, reading books, and spending time with family when not occupied by work-related responsibilities.
Pope’s ultimate goal is to continue being a reliable source of information within the geriatric community while promoting quality healthcare standards.
