Caregivers Matter in Conejo Valley, CA
Caregiving can lead to health issues, such as depression, and financial concerns
Thousand Oaks, CA (PRWEB) October 31, 2014
On Saturday, January 31, 2015, Senior Concerns, The Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the Cities of Agoura Hills, Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks 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 http://www.seniorconcerns.org or calling 805-497-0189. No walk-ins will be allowed.
Today, as our elders are living longer with more complex health conditions, family caregiving is increasing in numbers and challenges. Nationally, almost 66 million people report being a caregiver for someone over 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.
Recognizing the need to honor and celebrate family caregivers, the half-day event will provide caregivers the opportunity to share their story, renew their spirit, relieve their stress and enjoy an uplifting and empowering program. Among highlights will be a 20-minute Unfrazzle Meditation for Stressed Caregivers, a roundtable session on “Dealing with The Cards I’ve Been Dealt,” “Finding the Funny in Caregiving” with nationally-known comedienne and caregiver Monica Piper, and a keynote address on “The Optimism Advantage in Caregiving” presented by Terry Paulson, Ph.D., national columnist and author of the new book, “The Optimism Advantage: 50 Simple Truths to Transform Your Attitudes and Actions into Results.” Attendees will also have the opportunity to add their loved one’s picture to the Community Care Circle and participate in a Positive Affirmation Intention and group photo opportunity.
“As a community, we understand caregivers need support because caregiving often takes a physical and emotional toll resulting in reduced work hours or leaving the workplace altogether,” says Andrea Gallagher, CSA, President of Senior Concerns. “Caregiving can lead to health issues, such as depression, and financial concerns. 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. 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.”
Part of the program will be dedicated to recognizing those businesses in the community that are demonstrating leadership by accommodating and recognizing caregivers. To nominate a local business for the Conejo Cares Caregiver-Friendly Workplace Award, please visit our website for more information.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. To learn more about sponsorship, please contact Janet Young, Director of Development at Senior Concerns, at janety(at)seniorconcerns(dot)org or 805-497-0189.