• Caregivers Matter…Conejo Cares Caregiver Recognition Day

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    February 13, 2018
                                                                                    
    Caregivers Matter...Conejo Cares Caregiver Recognition Day
                                                                                
    Friday, March 2, 2018
     
    On Friday, March 2, 2018 Senior Concerns will host Caregivers Matter…Conejo Cares, a half-day program and luncheon honoring family caregivers who are caring for aging loved ones. Caregivers Matter…Conejo Cares will take place from 9:30-1:30 p.m. at Los Robles Greens, 209 Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks. Admission is free. Reservations are required and may be made by visiting www.seniorconcerns.org or calling 805-497-0189. No walk-ins will be allowed. Limited free in-home respite is available by request upon reservation.
     
    Today, as our elders are living longer with more complex health conditions, family caregiving is increasing in numbers and challenges. Nationally, about 66 million people report being a caregiver for someone over age 50. Family caregivers provide 80% of the long-term care services in the United States today, valued at $577 billion or more than the total cost of Medicare. Those caring for loved ones are often thrust into unexpected roles that can be demanding, costly and stressful.
     
    The free event encourages family caregivers to share their story, renew their spirit, embrace their fears, and relieve their stress from the challenges of caregiving. Among highlights will be an opening segment on the Power of Breathing led by Surreina
    Gallegos Gerbman, a YogaWorks Certified teacher and assistant trainer. Dr. Roy Steinberg will present the Keynote focusing on Embracing a Caregiver’s Greatest Fear. Roy Steinberg, Ph.D. is a geriatric psychologist with a  private practice devoted to serving older adults and their caregivers. He received his PhD from the California School of Professional Psychology at Berkeley, and is licensed in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and California.
     
    The program will also feature family caregivers sharing their own stories, as well as professionally facilitated table groups, providing those in attendance the opportunity to connect with other family caregivers and develop support networks. A panel discussion, moderated by Viki Kind, a clinical bioethicist, professional speaker and hospice volunteer, will focus on “How Am I Supposed to Feel.” The panel will include, Laura Zempel RN, MSW, CHPN, a social worker and Palliative Care Nurse at Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center, and UCLA Staff Chaplain/Oncology Spiritual Care Specialist Michael Eselun. 
     
    Back by popular demand will be nationally-known comedienne and family caregiver Monica Piper with her look at The Lighter Side of Caregiving. In addition, family caregivers will have the opportunity to and participate in a non-denominational positive affirmation activity.
     
    “Family caregivers play a vital role in caring for our large and growing senior population and are instrumental in keeping elders out of institutions and in the community. Yet, caregiving often takes a tremendous physical and emotional toll, leading to health issues, such as depression, and financial concerns,” says Andrea Gallagher, CSA, President of Senior Concerns. “We hope Caregivers Matter…Conejo Cares will help family caregivers recognize they are not alone and an entire community stands ready to help with the support and resources they need.”
     
    For more information about Caregivers Matter…Conejo Cares or to reserve your spot at this FREE event, please visit www.seniorconcerns.org or contact us at 805-497-0189.
     
     
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