Spend National Caregivers’ Day with The Kensington White Plains at this year’s CareCon virtual event!
This CareCon is the third in a popular and successful series of events created to boost awareness and help caregivers all over America. In case you missed it, click here to watch the playlist for the entire event! It’s sure to educate, inspire and entertain caregivers who support loved ones with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
With the support of HFC founders and Hollywood couple Lauren Miller Rogen and Seth Rogen, this year’s event is informative and fun.
As part of The Kensington White Plains’ continued efforts to boost caregiver support groups and caregivers in general, we are glad to join forces with our partners, Genentech, Pothena, and HFC itself.
What is CareCon?
CareCon is a free online event for those looking for help in caring for their family members who are dealing with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease.
Hosted by HFC founders Seth and Lauren Miller Rogen, the conference included sessions led by experts and celebrity panels with guests such as Wayne Brady and featuring insights into elder care and mental health.
The celebrity panels of CareCon 2022 also featured an impressive selection of celebrity members who have experienced the kindness of caregivers in their personal lives—or have personal insights to relate to benefits to mental health and well-being.
Guests for CareCon 2023
Not to be outdone by 2022’s success, the 2023 celebrity panel is packed:
- Amy Poehler returns
- Ben Feldman, co-star of the NBC hit Superstore, is also on board
- Actor/Director Adam Shapiro, known for the films Never Have I Ever and She Said, will also join the event
- Emmy-winning actress Pamela Adlon, who stars in the Amazon Prime series Better Things rounds out the panel
Presentation of the Scotty Award, Sponsored by Kensington Senior Living
Along with resource connections and advice for caregivers who assist people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, CareCon will present the first Scotty Award during the event.
This new award is named in honor of Scott Miller, a loving caregiver to HFC founder Lauren Miller Rogen’s late mother, Adele. The award seeks to recognize an unpaid dementia caregiver nominated by friends, family members, or themselves.
Who can win the Scotty Award?
The Scotty award—the Rogens and HFC stress—is not a recognition of the best or the hardest working caregiver.
HFC wanted The Scotty Award to represent ALL those family caregivers who work, strive, love, and sometimes struggle when caring for a loved one living with the effects of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia.
The award recipient will receive an HFC Recharge Respite Grant, providing 50 hours of professional in-home respite care or the cash equivalent.
The nominee from The Kensington White Plains is Gina Forgione!
Gina, our Sales & Marketing Associate, was the sole caregiver for her mother at home until she passed away in 2019. Gina formerly worked with our rehab here at The Kensington, and would often bring her mother with her to visit.
Our community was in absolute awe of Gina’s dedication to both her mother and the Kensington residents. Her love and compassion was, and still is, inspiring. We are so honored to nominate Gina for the HFC Scotty Caregiver Award!
Challenges in caregiving for a person with dementia
Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging, requiring immense patience and understanding. Many potential pitfalls can lead to caregiver burnout.
As a caregiver, it’s important to watch out for your well-being while caring for your loved one. Here are some simple, straightforward tips to help you take the best care of an older person with dementia.
Caregivers tips for helping people with Alzheimer’s
First, ensure that they have access to the necessary medical support. This plan includes regular visits to the doctor for checkups, as well as having access to a healthcare provider for emergencies.
Another important tip for caring for an older adult with dementia is to provide a safe, familiar environment as possible. Ensure the home is well-lit, easy to navigate, and free of clutter.
Additionally, make sure to provide the older adult with various activities that can help keep them engaged and stimulated.
It’s also essential to provide yourself with the necessary caregiver support.
Take time for yourself, as caregiving can be very stressful. This care might include seeking out a support group, attending counseling, or simply taking some time away from caregiving duties.
Additionally, if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or suffering from burnout, reach out to a healthcare professional for help.
Finally, remember that caregiving is a journey, and being patient with yourself and your loved one is important. It can be easy to become frustrated, but it’s important to focus on the positive and recognize that despite the challenges, there is always room for growth and connection.
Connecting with the right resources to help caregivers
Because The Kensington White Plains has a dedicated team and community that deals specifically with memory care, we know what kinds of struggles you can face as a caregiver.
Our two levels of memory care – Connections and Haven, cater to those with early to late stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
As part of Our Promise, we aim to care for our residents and caregivers as our own family. We hope to host many more events like CareCon 2023 to help caregivers support everywhere, not just at our assisted living community.
If you’re interested in discovering more about what our communities can offer you and your loved one, reach out to us, and let’s talk about caregiving solutions.