The 4th Annual CareCon, a beacon for caregivers nationwide, is set to unfold under the collaborative guidance of HFC and The Kensington Reston.
This event, a yearly melting pot of compassion and support, extends its arms to encompass the diverse spectrum of caregivers out there who attend to loved ones with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Welcoming CareCon: Embracing the caregiving community
By bridging the gap between knowledge and application, CareCon has evolved into more than an event—it’s a community.
HFC’s advocacy and Kensington Reston’s commitment to exceptional care create an environment where caregivers are not just heard but also empowered.
RSVP to join us on Feb. 14 for this free virtual event!
Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
The mission of CareCon: A journey of heart and hope
At the heart of CareCon lies a mission steeped in understanding and empathy—one that matches Our Promise to care for our residents as if they were our own family.
CareCon’s primary objective is to offer a sanctuary where caregivers can:
- Access vital information
- Gain emotional support
- Share their experiences in a nurturing environment
This mission reflects a profound respect for the often-overlooked emotional and physical challenges caregivers face daily.
Global virtual access
The event’s virtual format has revolutionized accessibility, allowing caregivers from everywhere to partake in this journey of heart and hope.
This approach ensures that the insights, experiences, and resources available at CareCon are accessible to a broader audience, thus amplifying its impact.
Guiding lights: The influence of Lauren and Seth Rogen
The inception of CareCon is deeply rooted in the personal experiences of its founders, Lauren Miller Rogen and Seth Rogen.
Their journey into the realm of caregiving—marked by personal encounters with Alzheimer’s—has inspired the creation of this unique platform.
They aim to shed light on the caregiver’s role, often overshadowed in the larger conversation about dementia and Alzheimer’s care.
Vision of caregiving
Lauren and Seth’s vision for CareCon transcends the conventional; it’s a celebration of the caregiving experience through a lens of empathy, resilience, hope, and humor.
The Kensington Reston believes their influence serves as a great reminder of the gentle strength and unwavering spirit that underpins the caregiving community.
CareCon’s multifaceted approach
CareCon’s agenda is a mosaic of learning and connection.
The event features a unique combination of celebrity-led discussions and expert-driven workshops.
- Sessions that delve deeply into the real-world complexities of caregiving, offering both inspiration and practical advice
- Workshops are specifically tailored to equip caregivers with an extensive toolkit
Coping strategies to navigate healthcare nuances, there are a range of sessions designed to impart actionable knowledge and resources.
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.
Caregivers connecting
Furthermore, CareCon is committed to nurturing a robust support network among caregivers. It’s a space where experiences are shared, bonds are formed, and a sense of community is fostered.
This aspect of the event underscores the importance of connection and support in the caregiving journey, reinforcing that no caregiver is alone.
The Scotty Award: A symbol of compassion and resilience
The Scotty Award, a pivotal element of CareCon, stands as a testament to the continuing legacy of Scott Miller, Lauren Miller Rogen’s father, who served as a loving caregiver to Lauren’s mother, his late wife Adele who passed away from Alzheimer’s.
This award celebrates the silent yet profound impact of caregivers, acknowledging their unwavering commitment and compassionate care for those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
It’s a tribute that resonates with Scott’s journey of resilience and empathy.
Acknowledging caregivers: Excellence under adversity
Identifying and honoring caregiving excellence, the Scotty Award brings into focus those remarkable individuals whose selfless acts often go unnoticed.
This award is not merely a recognition but a symbol of the deep appreciation and respect for the heroic efforts made by caregivers every day.
Nominating the unsung heroes of care
The process of nominating a caregiver for the Scotty Award is an opportunity to shine a light on the heroes among us.
It’s a celebration of the extraordinary in the ordinary, recognizing those who make a significant difference in the lives of others through their dedication and love.
A panel of caregiving judges
The judging panel, comprising individuals well-versed in the nuances of caregiving, evaluates nominees based on several criteria.
Criteria include:
- Nominee’s ability to provide compassionate care
- Their demonstration of resilience in the face of challenges
- Innovative approaches taken to enhance the quality of life for those they care for
True caregiving champions are those who embody empathy, patience, and unwavering support and the panel aims to recognize that.
Caregivers share their own stories
At CareCon, the spotlight also turns to the powerful narratives shared by caregivers.
These stories, brimming with love, resilience, and sacrifice, offer a glimpse into the daily lives of those who shoulder the responsibility of caregiving.
They are tales that not only move the heart but also forge a deeper understanding and connection within the caregiving community.
These stories play a crucial role in inspiring and encouraging others. They highlight the shared experiences of caregivers, fostering a sense of solidarity and reminding everyone on this journey that they are not alone.
CareCon: A collective endeavor
CareCon is a call to action for the community at large to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable role caregivers play in our society.
The event aims to spotlight the transformative journey of caregiving as a reminder of the strength found in unity.
We celebrate the significant difference we can make when we come together to support those who dedicate themselves to caregiving.
It’s an invitation to continue the conversation and continue to build the resources and networks that empower caregivers in their vital roles.
The joining of forces: HFC and The Kensington Reston
Participating in CareCon is just the beginning.
HFC and Kensington Reston invite everyone to explore further avenues for supporting caregivers.
These include a wealth of resources, educational materials, and support networks, all designed to assist caregivers in their challenging yet rewarding journey.
Connect with The Kensington Reston for caregiving resources
The Kensington Reston remains committed to providing comprehensive caregiving support by:
- Offering advice on navigating the complexities of memory loss with three levels of comprehensive memory care
- Providing a nurturing environment for both caregivers and their loved ones
- Enriching the caregiving experience
Engaging with The Kensington Reston opens doors to a community that understands, supports, and values the journey of every caregiver.
Reach out to us for more caregiver connections or information about how we strive every day to enrich the quality of life for our residents.