Q: I have heard a rumor of plans for a program that will recognize those who are serving as family caregivers. Do you know of any details?
A: The rumor you heard is much more than a rumor. On Jan. 31, 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.”
This half-day event and luncheon will honor family caregivers who are caring for aging loved ones. The event will be from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Los Robles Greens, 209 Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks. Admission is free and reservations are required. No walk-ins will be admitted.
Those who care for loved ones are often thrust into unexpected roles that can be demanding, costly and stressful. The sponsors of this event feel those who take on these responsibilities should be given recognition for the job they are doing.
This event will provide the caregivers the opportunity to share their stories, renew their spirit and relieve their stress by enjoying an uplifting and empowering program.
The program will provide several different aspects of caregiving. There 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” and “The Optimism Advantage of Caregiving.”
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.
Caregiving, much like parenting, requires no formal training, no previous experience and no testing or special license. It just happens.
Caregiving may be something that worms its way slowly into your life without you realizing what is happening, or it may be dropped on you like a hot potato after a crisis.
Whichever way you become a caregiver you will likely not be prepared for what it entails.
Caregiving can be described in a sentence or two. 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 said everyone fits into one of four categories: You are currently a caregiver, you will be a caregiver, you currently require a caregiver or you will require a caregiver.
So if you are currently a caregiver of an aging loved one, make your reservation for this unique event.
Reservations can be made by visiting https://www.seniorconcerns.org or calling 497-0189.
HAPPENINGS
Jan. 21: Free Wellness & Fun Fest, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. More than 65 providers of information and services will attend. For information call 381-2742.
Jan. 25: Goebel Game Day — Music Comes Alive with the music of Frank Sinatra, 2 p.m. at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. For information call 381-2744.
Jan. 27: “The Empowered Caregiver” Series will open with “Understanding Dementia,” 5:30-7 p.m. at Senior Concerns Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks. For information and reservations call 497-0189.
