On Friday, March 20, 2020 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 9:30-2:30 p.m. at Los Robles Greens, 209 Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks. Admission is $15 per person, which includes a plated luncheon. 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 event encourages family caregivers to share their story, renew their spirit, embrace their fears, and relieve their stress from the challenges of caregiving. The program will feature a dialogue on the value as a caregiver of looking ahead at what’s coming to plan for eventualities versus living in the moment and taking each day as it comes. Eileen Gold, owner/administrator of Paraclete Eldercare Planning, Training, Consultation and Management Services, will talk about the feelings of resentment many family caregivers experience and what to do about it. There will also be a presentation about statistics of older adults in disasters and why it is important to be prepared.
A panel discussion will focus on your wellbeing and Social Determinants of Health. Social isolation, improper nutrition, insufficient income, substance abuse, depression, and mounting caregiving versus workplace demands are all social determinants of health.
Highlighting the event will be comedian Mark Christopher Lawrence. He’s an international headliner that has worked with the likes of Sinbad, Jerry Seinfeld, Rodney Dangerfield, and Jeff Foxworthy as well as having headlined clubs and colleges all over the USA and Canada. He has appeared in numerous movies and television shows including Cooties, Halloween and Halloween 2, Pursuit of Happiness, Good Luck Charlie, Lab Rats, Glee and Weeds. In 2012, he was named the San Diego Critics Circle Outstanding Actor of the Year.
“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 the event, please visit www.seniorconcerns.org or contact us at 805-497-0189.
