Caregiver Recognition Day on Jan. 30, designated by the Mayors of Thousand Oaks and Agoura and sponsored by Senior Concerns, was a huge success! Responses from attendees said they became less stressed and more relaxed during the uplifting day, achieving the goal set to support caregivers by giving them a “care-free” time to enjoy a lovely luncheon and event honoring them. Caregivers who - in order to participate - needed supervision for their loved one, were able to arrange for that with Senior Concerns, allowing them peace of mind and a brief interval of much appreciated rest and joy.
People were welcomed to Los Robles Greens with hot coffee or tea and invited to post a photo of their loved one on the Care Circle Board.
Over 85% of the attendees came alone, but we reassured them that they would have a lot in common with each person sitting at their table, because everyone was a caregiver.
The program began with seeing a peaceful scene of nature on the movie screens, as we were led into gentle yoga stretches without even leaving our chairs. This was a wonderful way to help caregivers release their usual role and instead allow themselves to be nurtured. We did deep breathing to further relax and become centered in the moment. You could see the transition as lines of tension leaving faces all around the room; hear their deep intake of breath and their subsequent letting go of air, exhaling any remaining worry. In spite of the belief that relaxation was unlikely, caregivers were pleasantly surprised by feeling a comfortable calmness. We observed many faces where now a slight smile turned up the edges of the mouths – the same mouths which had entered such a short time ago tightly drawn with fatigue. A major shift was happening and we were all now ready to experience it; ready to let go of expectations, responsibilities, and obligations for these precious hours of soul satisfying enrichment.
The program continued with inspirational activities on gratitude and wonderful speakers, including an incredible funny comedian ( see clips at www.seniorconcerns.org ) It concluded by gifting attendees with a thank you bag filled with valuable “goodies.” As the over 175 attendees exited, the smiles were broader and firmly in place, knowing that they had personally received honor and appreciation for all they did as a caregiver. The posture was taller, the eyes were brighter, and the step was firmer, demonstrating they were now fortified to continue in their valued role as a caregiver.
People were welcomed to Los Robles Greens with hot coffee or tea and invited to post a photo of their loved one on the Care Circle Board.
Over 85% of the attendees came alone, but we reassured them that they would have a lot in common with each person sitting at their table, because everyone was a caregiver.
The program began with seeing a peaceful scene of nature on the movie screens, as we were led into gentle yoga stretches without even leaving our chairs. This was a wonderful way to help caregivers release their usual role and instead allow themselves to be nurtured. We did deep breathing to further relax and become centered in the moment. You could see the transition as lines of tension leaving faces all around the room; hear their deep intake of breath and their subsequent letting go of air, exhaling any remaining worry. In spite of the belief that relaxation was unlikely, caregivers were pleasantly surprised by feeling a comfortable calmness. We observed many faces where now a slight smile turned up the edges of the mouths – the same mouths which had entered such a short time ago tightly drawn with fatigue. A major shift was happening and we were all now ready to experience it; ready to let go of expectations, responsibilities, and obligations for these precious hours of soul satisfying enrichment.
The program continued with inspirational activities on gratitude and wonderful speakers, including an incredible funny comedian ( see clips at www.seniorconcerns.org ) It concluded by gifting attendees with a thank you bag filled with valuable “goodies.” As the over 175 attendees exited, the smiles were broader and firmly in place, knowing that they had personally received honor and appreciation for all they did as a caregiver. The posture was taller, the eyes were brighter, and the step was firmer, demonstrating they were now fortified to continue in their valued role as a caregiver.
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