CareCon—hosted by HFC—stands as a pillar of support and enlightenment in the challenging world of Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiving.
At its core, CareCon’s mission is to offer a sanctuary of knowledge, inspiration, and community for those who dedicate their lives to caring for loved ones with these conditions.
This annual event’s significance extends beyond just a gathering of those who care for loved ones with dementia; it’s a symbol of unity and strength in the face of a demanding journey.
RSVP to join The Kensington White Plains and HFC virtually this Valentine’s Day as we celebrate our love for caregivers with this free, virtual event—sure to be inspiring to all.
Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
CareCon: A beacon of hope and support
The team at White Plains believes that part of Our Promise means reaching out across cities, states, and even national borders to connect with caregivers who can benefit from this event.
It’s more than an occasion; it’s a virtual embrace to caregivers far and wide, offering them a chance to be part of a community that understands and values their challenges and triumphs.
If you’re unfamiliar with the CareCon event, here’s a quick rundown.
The heart of CareCon: education, inspiration, and empowerment
The vision for CareCon, championed by HFC founders Lauren Miller Rogen and Seth Rogen, stems from a deep personal connection to the cause.
Their guidance has shaped CareCon into an oasis of learning and inspiration.
At the heart of this event is the spirit of caregiving—a blend of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication that the Rogens aim to honor and uplift.
Celebrating this spirit, CareCon transforms the often-isolated path of caregiving into a shared journey marked by moments of learning, empathy, and mutual support.
It’s an event that not only educates but also celebrates the immense emotional and physical investment made by caregivers every day.
A tapestry of resources: What CareCon offers
CareCon’s array of offerings is designed to cater to the multifaceted needs of caregivers.
The event features celebrity panels that add a touch of glamor, yet the real essence lies in the empathy and understanding they bring to the table.
These sessions offer unique insights into caregiving, blending celebrity experiences with real-life relevance.
Panels
The event will commence with a series of thought-provoking panels immediately following the opening remarks. The first panel, “Comedy and Caregiving: Finding and Accepting Light in Dark Times,” will explore the therapeutic power of humor in navigating the challenges of caregiving. Panelists will share their experiences, offering a unique perspective on how laughter can be a source of resilience during difficult moments.
The second panel, “Love and Dementia: Navigating Relationships through the Care Journey,” will delve into the complexities of maintaining meaningful connections amidst the trials of dementia. This panel aims to provide valuable insights and strategies for fostering empathy, communication, and understanding in relationships affected by caregiving responsibilities.
The third panel, “Adaptive and Inclusive Fashion: A Conversation about the Intersection of Fashion and Care,” promises to showcase innovative approaches to fashion that prioritize inclusivity and comfort, addressing the unique needs of both caregivers and those in their care.
The final panel, “Equity in Alzheimer’s Research, Treatment, and Care: The Importance of Inclusion in Shaping a Diverse and Compassionate Approach for All,” will underscore the significance of inclusivity in shaping a comprehensive and compassionate approach to Alzheimer’s care.
Workshops
Complementing the event are expert-led workshops—meticulously crafted to impart practical wisdom and tools essential for caregiving.
Topics include:
- Navigating Diagnosis, An Insider’s Look at the Diagnosis Process and Some Inside Tips: aims to demystify the diagnostic journey, offering practical insights from those who have firsthand experience.
- Cruising Through Caregiving: will equip caregivers with practical tools and strategies to navigate the challenges they may encounter, emphasizing the importance of self-care.
- Hard Conversations to Plan Ahead: will sensitively address end-of-life planning, encouraging open discussions on crucial topics.
- Finding Joy in Dementia: will explore ways to uncover moments of happiness and connection amidst the difficulties of dementia.
- Movement for Self-care: Mindfulness, Tai Chi, Yoga: will encourage participants to explore mindful movement practices as tools for holistic well-being.
- Embracing End of Life Care and Conversations with Grief: will provide a supportive space for attendees to engage with the emotional aspects of caregiving, fostering a sense of community and understanding.
Community
Moreover, CareCon is a cradle for building a community.
The event fosters connections and understanding among caregivers, creating a network of support that extends well beyond the event.
Honoring dedication: The essence of the Scotty Award
The Scotty Award is a cornerstone of CareCon, established in loving memory of Scott Miller.
It’s not just an award; it’s a tribute to the unwavering dedication of dementia caregivers.
The award recognizes qualities like patience, creativity, and resilience—traits that exemplify the essence of caregiving.
Nominees for the Scotty Award are those who have shown extraordinary commitment and love in their caregiving roles.
These are individuals who often go unrecognized yet play a pivotal role in the lives of those they care for.
Giving something back to caregivers
Through this award, CareCon and HFC acknowledge the invaluable contribution of these unsung heroes, shining a light on their selflessness and strength.
This recognition serves as a beacon of hope and support, uplifting the spirits of caregivers and acknowledging their vital role in our communities.
Caregiving heroes in the limelight
CareCon provides a platform to elevate those often unsung heroes: caregivers.
Nominating a caregiver for the Scotty Award is a process of recognizing and appreciating their silent yet powerful contributions.
Anyone can nominate a caregiver, acknowledging their tireless efforts and their positive impact on their care recipients’ lives.
Judging panel
The judging panel for the Scotty Award is a diverse group consisting of individuals who have served as caregivers or have profound insights into the challenges and triumphs of caregiving.
This blend of personal experience and professional expertise ensures that the selection process is both empathetic and informed.
What the panel is looking for
Exceptional caregivers are those who exhibit traits like:
- Immense patience
- Unwavering commitment
- Innovative problem-solving
- Deep empathy
These individuals go above and beyond, often sacrificing their own needs to provide the best care to their loved ones.
Stories of heart: Celebrating caregiving journeys
A beautiful part of CareCon will be shining a light on the heartwarming tales of love and resilience that characterize caregiving.
These stories, shared by caregivers, resonate with the struggles, joys, and profound sense of fulfillment that comes from caring for someone.
Testimonials from caregivers provide a window into their world—the challenges they face, the small victories they cherish, and the emotional journey they navigate daily.
These narratives not only celebrate the incredible efforts of caregivers but also serve as sources of inspiration and encouragement for others who might be in similar situations. They foster a sense of community and understanding, reminding caregivers that they are not alone in their journey.
A call to uphold the spirit of CareCon
By participating in events like CareCon and engaging with HFC’s resources, we can all play a part in upholding the spirit of caregiving—a role that touches many lives and shapes our communities in profound ways.
Let’s all continue to celebrate, support, and empower these extraordinary individuals who give so much of themselves to care for others.
Reach out to The Kensington White Plains for support
Every team member at The Kensington White Plains knows what it takes to make your caregiving journey successful.
We also know that your own journey might need some assistance now and then.
Connect with us for other assisted living resources and information regarding challenges such as memory care, life enrichment, specialty Parkinson’s care, and rehabilitation—just to name a few.
As always—reach out to us if you’re interested in how The Kensington White Plains can become your loved one’s care community.