QUESTION: If I remember correctly about this time of year there has been a program recognizing those who serve as family caregivers. Do you know if such a program is on the schedule for this year?
ANSWER: Yes it is. On Friday March 2nd Senior Concerns will host “Caregivers Matter . . . Conejo Cares”, a half day program and luncheon honoring family caregivers who are caring for aging loved ones.
The event will take place at Los Robles Greens, 209 Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. Admission is free and reservations are required, with no walk-ins.
Those who care for loved ones are often thrust into unexpected roles that can be demanding, costly and stressful. The event sponsors feel those who take on these responsibilities should be given recognition for the job they are doing.
The event will give caregivers a chance to share their stories, renew their spirit and relieve their stress by enjoying an uplifting and empowering program.
The program will cover several aspects of caregiving. The opening segment of the program will be on the “Power of Breathing” led by Surreina Gallegos Gerbman, a YogaWorks Certified teacher and assistant trainer. Dr. Ray Steinberg a geriatric psychologist will present the Keynote address focusing on “Embracing a Caregiver’s Greatest Fear” and Monica Piper, a nationally known comedian will look at the “Lighter Side of Caregiving.”
Vicki Kind will moderate a panel discussion focusing on “How Am I Suppose to Feel.”
Caregiving much like parenting, requires no formal training, no previous experience and no testing or special license. It just happens.
Whether you are merely looking in on an elderly loved one weekly to see if all is going well or you are caring for an older loved one full time you are a caregiver.
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter once said – everyone fits into one of four categories: You have been a caregiver, you are currently a caregiver, you will be a caregiver or you will require caregiving.
So if you are currently a caregiver of an aging loved one, make your reservation for this unique event. You can make reservations by visiting www.seniorconcerns.org or by calling (805) 497-0189.
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SATURDAY – February 24 – 11:00 am (doors open at 9:30) “Bingo Bonanza” at Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi in Simi Vallley. Admission is $25 or $30 including lunch. Tickets are available at the center’s main desk. For more information call (805) 583-6363.
TUESDAY – February 27 – 4:00 to 5:30 pm – Seminar – Path to Positive Aging Series – “Saving Your Brain” at Senior Concerns Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks. For reservations call (805) 497-0189.
MONDAYS – starting March 5 – 11:15 am to 12:45 pm – 6 week meditation series – “Relieve Stress & Promote Wellness through Meditation – at Agoura Hills Recreation & Event Center, 29900 Ladyface Court in Agoura Hills. Series fee is $25. To register call (818) 597-7361.
THURSDAY – March 8 & 9 – 8:30 am to 12:30 pm – 2-day AARP Driver Safety Class – “Initial 8-hour Smart Driver Course” – at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. Cost is $15 for AARP members; $20 for non-members. Reservations can be made at (805) 381-2744.
THURSDAY – March 9 – 10:00 to 11:30 am – Seminar – “Will You Pass Your Next Driving Test?” – at Agoura Hills Recreation & Event Center, 29900 Ladyface Court in Agoura Hills. For reservations call (818) 597-7361.
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Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are located at the Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks CA 91362 or call (805) 495-6250 or e-mail bberry@seniorconceerns.org (please include your telephone number. You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.
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