THOUSAND OAKS — On Tuesday, May 6, Senior Concerns hosted 150 family caregivers at Caregiver Recognition Day at Los Robles Greens in Thousand Oaks.
This at-capacity event, themed “Invigorating Your Caregiver Power,” offered a restorative and empowering experience for attendees, who are often the silent heroes behind the health and well-being of aging loved ones. Caregivers enjoyed a complimentary lunch, motivating presentations, and thoughtful gifts.
“So many family caregivers noted that they arrived feeling overwhelmed and fatigued,” said Martha Shapiro, director of programs at Senior Concerns. “At the end of the event, most attendees reported feeling inspired and appreciated. This event is our way of wrapping them with care and giving them tools and encouragement to keep going.”
Courtesy photos.
Notable speakers included Kemi Reeves, inaugural director of nursing and healthcare equity for UCLA Health; Allison Lange, MBK fit manager at The Reserve; and Brian Barry, executive director of the Ventura County Medical Association. Senior Concerns staff also contributed expertise, including Bridget Harvey-Elliott, director of nutrition; Kayla Fowler, Adult Day Program team lead; and Shapiro.
“Caregiving can be incredibly isolating and emotionally taxing,” added Shapiro. “This event creates a space for caregivers to breathe, laugh, learn, and realize they don’t have to do this alone.”Senior Concerns is grateful for the philanthropic support of event sponsors. They include UCLA Health, Comfort Keepers In-Home Care, Assisted Living Connections, JL Biotechnology Consulting, LLC, Solo Aging Solutions, FirstLight Home Care of Simi Valley, Home Instead, BrightStar Care, and Senior Helpers.
Now in its 12th year, Caregiver Recognition Day is part of Senior Concerns’ broader mission to support family caregivers through education, respite services, support groups, and individualized guidance. Each year, Senior Concerns provides programs and support to more than 13,000 seniors and their caregivers across the Conejo Valley and surrounding areas.
To learn more about Senior Concerns and its programs, visit www.seniorconcerns.org or call 805-497-0189.
Senior Concerns — Since 1975, Senior Concerns, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, has been a lifeline for over 13,000 seniors and family caregivers annually in Eastern Ventura and Western Los Angeles counties, providing life-affirming programs and services to improve their health, well-being, and quality of life. Senior Concerns provides vital programs such as Meals On Wheels/Home Delivered Meal program addressing food insecurity with 5,500 meals each month, an Adult Day Program for seniors with cognitive or physical impairment, a Caregiver Support Center, Senior Advocacy Services, In-Home Geriatric Assessments, Pro Bono Legal and Financial Services, and Educational Seminars. Senior Concerns also hosts annual fundraisers such as the Ultimate Dining Experience, Love Run, Boat Bash, and Par and Away Golf Tournament, all made possible by the invaluable support of over 500 community volunteers. For more information, contact Julie Harvey at (805) 497-0189 or jharvey@seniorconcerns.org or visit https://www.seniorconcerns.org/
