Coalition Sponsors Successful Conferences for Caregivers

By Saman Yaghmaee, Coordinator of the County's Family Caregiver Support Program

Caring for an older, ill or disabled person can be challenging, especially if the person is new to task. San Diego County's Caregiver Coalition has been responding to the need of caregivers by conducting free educational workshops and conferences throughout county. The most recent conferences were held in November at churches in Poway and El Cajon.

The goal of the conference was to train and provide techniques that are relevant and applicable to the daily lives of caregivers. About 100 caregivers attended the two all-day events, and they rated the events as excellent in their evaluations.

Speakers for both events included:

Veronika Glenn from Southern Caregiver Resource Center, who described the important role of caregivers in our today's society

Pam Plimpton from the Alzheimer's Association addressed75 communication and behavior challenges in persons with dementia.

Brent T. Mausbach, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry University of California, San Diego., who mentioned the caregiver health effects

Kaiser pharmacist Jerry Hammond described the importance of managing medications There were also demonstrations of transfer techniques and the use of assistive devices, plus bedside nursing tips. And there was discussion about the emotional issues of caregiving.

At the El Cajon event, Mount Miguel and Meals on Wheels Greater San Diego generously sponsored the breakfast and lunch respectively, and Home Instead Senior Care provided free adult day care to all caregivers attending the event.

In Poway, day care was provided by the Poway Adult Day Health Care Center. VITAS Hospice provided breakfast and Meals on Wheels provided lunch.

If you are interested in learning more about the Caregiver Coalition,
contact: Saman Yaghmaee at Aging & Independence Services (858) 505-6300