QUESTION:  I am a new caregiver for a loved one with dementia and have more questions than answers.  Is there a program or guidebook to help me find my way?

  ANSWER:  The answer to your question is yes.  There is a very complete detailed caregiver’s guide and an interactive workshop that will prepare you for any caregiver challenges you may encounter.

  The “Dealing with Dementia – A Caregiver’s Guide” was developed by the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving.  It was created for family and professional caregivers.

  In order to provide the users of the book with the information needed the book became rather large.  Then to make sure users of the book understood the information provided the Institute developed an interactive four hour workshop where attendees are walked through the guide from front to back so that they will know what is in the book and where to find it when needed.

  The guide is set up by sections and each section has many subsections so that finding the exact item needed is easily accomplished.

  There is an introduction and five sections.  Section One addresses understanding dementia.  Section Two provides general caregiving tips and Section Three deals with behavioral issues.  Section Four is devoted to explaining the need for the caregiver to take care of themselves and Section Five provides resources available to the caregiver.

  The Dealing with Dementia Workshop is scheduled for Friday, October 26 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks.  For reservations call (805) 381-2744.  There will be seating for 20 attendees.  Each attendee will receive their personal copy of the guide.

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  QUESTION:  I am looking for something new in the fitness arena.  Are there any new events or programs on the planning boards?

  ANSWER:  I think I have just learned about an event that is exactly what you are looking for.

  The Reserve together with the Goebel Adult Community Center have planned a day of senior empowerment and invite the senior population to partake in a full day of fun.

  The Senior Fitness and Empowerment Day is scheduled for Saturday October 20th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Reserve located at 3575 N. Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks.

  The day will offer a variety of exercise courses, engaging speakers, cooking classes, delicious food and plenty of fun and games.  To start the day Patty Hamm, Goebel Center Supervisor, will present “Ageless Grace, Brain and Body Fitness from 9:00 to 9:45.

  Reservations must be made by October 14 and can be made by calling (805) 492-2471, when calling make sure to inquire about parking locations.

  This fun filled day is free—but donations will gladly be accepted and donated to the Conejo Senior Volunteer Program (CVSP). 

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HAPPENINGS:

  TUESDAY – October 16 – 10:00 am to Noon – “Car Fit Check-Up” – at Pleasant Valley Senior Center, 1605 E. Burnley Street in Camarillo.  Reservations required – call (805) 482-4881.

  THURSDAY – October 18 – 4:00 to 5:30 pm – Seminar – “Worried About Memory Loss:  What to Know, What to Do” – at Senior Concerns Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks.  For reservations call (805) 497-0189.

  THURSDAY – October 18 – 10:00 am to Noon – Presentation – “Seniors Managing Drug Costs” – at Camarillo Library,  4101 Las Posas Road in Camarillo.  No reservations required.  For information call (805) 388-5397 or (805) 482-4881.

  TUESDAY – October 23 – 4:00 to 5:30 pm – Seminar – The Path to Positive Aging Series – “The Ins and Outs of Long Term Care” – at Senior Concerns Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks.  For reservations call (805) 497-0189.

  WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY – October 24 & 25 – 1:00 to 5:00 pm – AARP Smart Driver Course – at Pleasant Valley Senior Center, 1605 E. Burnley Street in Camarillo.  Registration must be completed by October 17 – for more information call (805) 482-4881.

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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@seniorconcerns.org (please include your telephone number.)  You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.

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