Because of our aging population, 59% of adults are either currently family caregivers, or expect to be at some point in the future. Led by licensed mental health counselor Alison Issen, you’ll explore the impact of caregiving on the caregiver’s productivity, health and quality of life, and examine ways that can decrease the negative impact of caregiving demands through communication and wellness measures. Participants will also learn to identify support services and networks available to caregivers both locally and nationally.

This program is presented by Alison C. Issen and is hosted by the Winter Park Health Foundation.

About the Program Presenter

Alison C. Issen is a licensed mental health counselor and registered nurse. She is recently retired as the outpatient counselor at Orlando Health/UF Health Cancer Center. For several years, Issen coordinated the Sage-ing Center, a program which encourages and supports adults of all ages, but particularly those in the second half of life, to inventory, evaluate and intentionally plan a life of purpose, learning, fulfillment and community service. She brought this comprehensive program to the hospice several years ago and developed Hospice of the Comforter’s Quality of Life Education Program.

Issen has taught Psychology at the college level and has worked in the field of Health and Wellness for more than 35 years, including more than 10 years as a hospice nurse and counselor. Her areas of specialty include stress management, grief and loss, end-of-life, aging and relationship issues, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy and Positive Psychology.

She has a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida. Beyond her professional life, Issen is an “extreme gardener,” volunteers at a local animal shelter and performs with local singing and theatre groups.