Caregiving for a loved one can be one of the most difficult, complicated jobs you’ll have, but can also be satisfying. It can happen in a blink of an eye with a sickness or an accident. You may start with having to provide a little more support, then it takes more time and you have to adjust your schedule and lifestyle. Whether you are in the role of a caregiver, or anticipating the need to take care of a loved one, it is not too soon to get information and resources that can help.

Senior Services of Alexandria and AARP Virginia are hosting a Caregiver Workshop from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Jan. 20, at Immanuel Church on the Hill, 3606 Seminary Road in Alexandria. It is a free event, open to the public with light refreshments.

The session will kick off with Bobbi Carducci, author of “Confessions of an Imperfect Caregiver.” Bobbi cared for her father-in law for several years. Their story was written in response to caregivers asking for a book that tells what it’s really like to care for someone. She is now a caregiver advocate, blogger and trained support group leader. She will talk candidly about her experiences and about what caregivers need to know about Alzheimer’s/dementia before and after it strikes home.

Lindsay Vajpeyi, director of Education and Outreach at Insight Memory Care Center, will talk about their programs for people on this journey. Insight is a nonprofit adult day health and resource center providing specialized care, support, and education for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments, their families, caregivers, and the community. They have just expanded their programs to the Alexandria area.

Pete Shrock, Legacy Navigator’s chief people officer, will wrap up the presentations discussing how caregivers are not alone in this journey. Shrock cuts through academic language with a direct, hands-on approach to grief and stressful life transitions. Legacy Navigator services a broad range of services including managing paperwork and estate sales to financial and support services.

Attendees will be able to ask questions and talk to the presenters one-on-one after the program. Literature will be available as well as upcoming events that SSA and AARP are sponsoring. To register for the workshop call SSA at 703-836-4414, ext. 110 or go online at seniorservicesalex.org.