May is shaping up to be a busy month for educational opportunities for area caregivers. Here’s a rundown of some of the upcoming events that would be of value to older adults and anyone caring for older loved one:

The Roadwise Driver: AAA Driver Improvement for Mature Operators
When: Monday, May 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Ambulatory Care Center
159 Wells Avenue
Newton, MA

The topics to be covered include:
– The specific problem areas seniors encounter on the roadway every day;
– The signs seniors and their families should watch for to identify red flags that signify potential loss of driving abilities;
– New care technology – What will be available and how soon? How will it affect or benefit senior drivers?;
– How does aging affect driving abilities and how can seniors continue to drive as safely as possible for as long as possible?
Note: lunch will be served.
To register: Call CareFinder at 617-243-5900

Impacts and Risks of the Opioid Crisis: A Presentation for Seniors
When: Tuesday, May 17, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: Scandinavian Living Center
206 Waltham Street
West Newton, MA

Learn how to:
– Manage your prescription medication with File of Life;
– Keep your medication safe from theft;
– Properly dispose of unused or expired medication;
– Identify signs of drug addiction in grandchildren and other family members;
– Get you loved ones help.
Note: Complimentary File of Life will be provided
To register: Visit www.fileoflifeandopiodcrisis.eventbrite.com. Contact Maureen Grannan at 617-795-2560 for more information.

Doing Right by Our Aging Folks: How to Find, Navigate and Afford Needed Services
When: Monday, May 23, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Care One at Concord
57 Old Road to 9 Acre Corner
Concord, MA
Presented by: Linda Smith, BSN, RN, CMC, MetroWest Eldercare Management; Marilyn Gentilotti, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones; Kristin Shirahama, Esq., Elder Law Estate Planning Attorney, Bowditch & Dewey, LLP

Free dinner workshop will help attendees learn how the healthcare arena is changing and how successful families operate. The panel presentation of three leading aging experts will review multiple choices and provide answers to difficult decisions such as:
– How do I advocate for the best care?
– When is a nursing home the right choice?
– What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
– How do I protect assets and spend wisely?
– What life documents are most important?
To register: Contact Karen Halloran, Community Liaison at 978-460-3007 or khalloran@care-one.com

Caring for Our Folks: How to Care, Finance and Plan for Aging
When: Wednesday, May 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Wells Fargo
130 Turner Street, Building 3, 8th Floor
Waltham, MA

Free educational event for caregivers featuring Mary Hastings, CFP, Wells Fargo, Julie Shapiro, Esq., Shapiro Elder Law, and Linda Smith, BSN, RN, CMC, MetroWest Eldercare Management.
Note: Light dinner included.
To register: RSVP by May 23 to Jean Roberts at 781-472-7857.