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Deadline December 26, 2026
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Modality Online
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Tuition $540
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Next Start Date January 11, 2027
Course Description
How do you support someone while respecting their independence, preserving your relationship, and taking care of yourself along the way?
Sometimes the transition to caregiving — caring for aging parents, spouses, or partners — happens gradually; a little more help is needed with appointments, finances, transportation, or decisions at home. Other times, the responsibility arises overnight. In both scenarios, questions arise: When should I step in? How do we talk about concerns when we disagree? How can I support someone’s desire to remain independent while addressing safety? And how do I manage my own responsibilities, boundaries, and stress as their needs change?
This seven-week course takes an approach that reconceptualizes caregiving as a collaborative relationship. Rather than focusing primarily on doing things for another person, it uses a care-partnering frame that emphasizes abilities, preferences, dignity, and autonomy, while acknowledging the realities of providing care and support.
Through guided discussions, real-life scenarios, practical frameworks, and reflection, we will examine some of the most challenging aspects of supporting an aging parent, spouse, or partner. Topics include changing family roles and relationships; having difficult conversations about aging and care; balancing safety with autonomy; supporting independence, interdependence, aging in place; establishing healthy boundaries; navigating family expectations and disagreements; managing caregiver stress and competing responsibilities; and anticipating and planning for changing needs.
The course does not prescribe a single “right” way to care for someone. Instead, participants will develop a more flexible and intentional approach to caregiving, one that considers the needs and well-being of both care partners. Participants will leave with practical strategies for approaching decisions, initiating important conversations, responding to change, and planning ahead rather than waiting for a crisis to determine what happens next.
Designed both for people currently caring for an aging parent, spouse, or partner and for those who want to prepare for caregiving responsibilities ahead, Reimagining Caregiving offers an opportunity to think differently about what it means to care. The goal is to build care partnerships characterized by dignity, autonomy, and connection in order to promote not only healthspan, but also joyspan… for both of you.
What You'll Explore
- Know when to step in and start caring for an aging parent, spouse, or partner
- Talk to aging parents about difficult topics — care, safety, finances, and changing needs
- Balance a loved one's safety with their independence and desire to age in place
- Navigate changing family roles, expectations, and disagreements among siblings and family
- Set boundaries and prevent caregiver burnout while managing your own responsibilities
- Approach caregiving as a shared partnership rather than doing everything one-directionally
- Plan ahead for a parent's changing needs instead of waiting for a crisis
Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course.
Available Course Sections
What I love most about teaching at the Graham School is that it is like eating at the chef's table: there are no barriers between students and instructors. We are all peers, indeed, friends learning alongside each other.
Jennifer Lind MLA’22, Graham School instructor
Guided by expert staff, and aided by students with a variety of experience and knowledge, I gained new understanding, opened myself to new points of view, and have grown intellectually.
Roberta Lee CER’22
This has been so valuable to me. The instructors are truly committed; you make new friends and get new views. It’s been a real plus in my life.
Virginia Tobiason CER’02 (Basic Program)
Frequently Asked Questions
Review common questions about our courses. You can also contact us for more information.
Do we take assessments in these courses?
Graham School non-credit courses are not graded and therefore have no tests. They focus on nourishing a love of learning, allowing you to immerse yourself in topics and discussions you find interesting.
How can I best prepare for class?
Complete any assigned reading and come prepared to participate actively in classroom discussion. While not required, we offer an optional course to prepare students to engage with challenging works: How to Read Classic Texts. While this is presented as an introductory course for the Basic Program, students in other programs or open enrollment courses are also welcome to participate and grow their skills.
Do I have to complete an application?
Applications are not required for our open enrollment courses.
Who is best suited to take a course at the Graham School?
Anyone who is interested in immersing themselves in these topics and engaging in deep discovery with others is welcome to take part in this course.
UChicago has a reputation for academic rigor. Will I be able to meaningfully participate in the classroom discussions?
Yes. Our non-credit courses are built for adults who have life experience and want to learn. Our instructors create an inclusive learning environment by encouraging all students to participate, regardless of their academic background.
What happens if I have to miss a class?
Our online classes are recorded and shared with the registered students through the Canvas site for the course. For in-person courses, you can ask a fellow student to take notes for you if you have to miss a session.
What is your withdrawal/cancellation policy?
You can find our withdrawal and cancellation policy with other registration issues here. Most drop or transfer requests can be made through your student account.
Will this course be offered online or in person?
The Graham School offers both online and in-person class experiences. The description for each course section specifies whether it will be offered online through Canvas or in person at the Gleacher Center in downtown Chicago.
What happens if I miss a class?
While our courses are driven by live discussions, we do record the online sessions. If you miss a class, you can watch the recording to catch up. Please note that students may only access recordings for the sections in which they are registered. In-person classes are not recorded.
I can no longer participate in a course I registered for. Can I get a refund?
If you need to drop a course, please email us at graham@learningplatform.support to process your request. When reaching out, please include your full name, the course name and the section. If you made a donation during your course purchase, please confirm if you would like the donation refunded as well.
Courses dropped before the first day of class are eligible for a full refund. Courses dropped after the first class are subject to a 10% cancellation fee. No refund will be issued for courses dropped after the first week of classes.
How do I access my course after registration?
Your course will be available on the Graham Learning Platform three weeks before the start date. You’ll log in using the same credentials you used during registration. If you need help accessing your course, check out our helpful video tutorial.
I have a question about the course registration process, who should I reach out to?
If you have a question about how to register for a course, watch the helpful videos on our registration tips page. You can also email our support team at graham@learningplatform.support. You will receive a response within 24 hours.
Where have Graham School programs been featured?
Graham School programs have received national and international attention, with coverage in Forbes, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, The Atlantic, and other leading publications.
Are any scholarships or financial assistance available for Open Enrollment or Basic Program courses?
Beginning with the Winter 2027 registration period, a limited number of partial scholarships are available to students who would otherwise face barriers to enrollment in Graham School courses. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the academic year, and decisions are released every other month. Those interested in being considered can apply for a partial tuition scholarship here.
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