Guest Post by Far East Senior Hub
Caregivers have a lot on their shoulders, as they support a loved one in coping with a debilitating condition. The job is physically, mentally, and emotionally draining, even with professional help.
For caregivers in east King County, a lot of professional supports are out of reach, anyway, being too expensive or not serving their community.
Three Eastside senior centers, Issaquah, Mt. Si and Sno-Valley, have partnered as the Far East Senior Hub to help local caregivers find local resources, supports, inspiration, and most importantly, community, on the east side. In November, they are co-hosting their second Caregiver Connection Conference, a free half-day event on the Eastside. The Caregiver Connection Conference, will be Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 am to 3 pm, at Mt. Si Senior Center, 411 Main Ave. S., North Bend, WA 98045, and will include free on-site respite care for those who register by Nov. 2.
Among the events planned for the day are a talk on enrichment by Erika Campell, of the nationally recognized Phinney Neighborhood Association Memory Loss Program. In her 40-year career of memory care and geriatric mental health, Campbell has developed a toolkit of enrichment activities and practices that are beneficial to both the care receiver and the caregiver. She will share her insights on the subject during her keynote address, and will take part in the resource fair to talk with participants and demonstrate some enrichment tools.
Sharon Hockenbury, life coach and wellness manager at Mt. Si Senior Center, will offer closing remarks on self care, and the day’s presentations will include:
- A myth-busting look at Hospice vs palliative care;
- The foundations of quality care;
- Wellness, meditation and self-care;
- Practical advice on what to do when a loved one with dementia wanders; and
- 90-Second Solutions, a wisdom sharing exercise with other caregivers.
In addition to Campbell, the resource fair will feature home care providers, assisted living facilities, a senior advisor, volunteer services and other supports and services.
A continental breakfast and lunch are included in the conference and for participants who register by Nov. 2, on-site respite care will be provided by Visiting Angels.
The event begins at 10 am with checking in, music by Mr. Paul the Music Teacher, and a Continental breakfast. Following the keynote, there will be breakout sessions, a catered lunch, more presentations, closing comments, and a prize drawing. To find the full schedule, visit https://snovalleysenior.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/Strengthening-Caregivers-Strengthening-Community.pdf
Register at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/rl5Kdw?vid=1rv4pb
