HFC and The Kensington Falls Church are proud to collaborate once again for the 4th annual CareCon that will take place on Feb. 14, 2024! Celebrate our love for caregivers this Valentine’s Day and join our on-site watch party!
This free virtual event, a red letter day in the caregiving community, is a collaborative endeavor between HFC and The Kensington Falls Church, reflecting their shared commitment to supporting caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
CareCon is more than an event; it is a heartfelt acknowledgment of the silent yet profound work caregivers do every day.
Celebrating caregiving: The essence of CareCon at The Kensington Falls Church
The joint efforts between HFC’s mission to provide essential support and The Kensington Falls Church’s dedication to delivering compassionate care create a powerful platform for caregivers.
This union not only highlights the importance of caregiving but also reinforces a community of understanding, learning, and shared experiences.
Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
The heart of CareCon: Nurturing empathy and understanding
At the core of CareCon lies a deep-seated goal: to nurture empathy and understanding for those who shoulder the responsibility of caregiving.
This event is an opportunity to delve into the complexities of caring for loved ones with memory impairments, offering a space for both learning and emotional support.
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.
Reaching out to caregivers everywhere
The transformative power of CareCon’s digital reach ensures that no caregiver, regardless of their location, is left out.
By leveraging the potential of online platforms, CareCon transcends geographical barriers, bringing together a community of caregivers from diverse backgrounds.
This digital accessibility amplifies the event’s impact, enabling a broader exchange of knowledge, experiences, and support.
CareCon pioneers: The impact of Lauren and Seth Rogen
The inception of CareCon is closely tied to the personal caregiving experiences of its founders—Lauren Miller Rogen and Seth Rogen.
Their journey, marked by immediate family struggles with Alzheimer’s disease, laid the foundation for this unique initiative.
Their passion and dedication to the cause have been instrumental in bringing CareCon to life, shining a light on the often-overlooked aspects of caregiving.
Caregiving and beyond
Lauren and Seth’s vision of caregiving goes beyond the traditional scope. It’s about celebrating and embracing the ethos of caregiving with empathy, resilience, and hope. As a comedian, Seth also adds a layer of humor.
Their influence at CareCon is a powerful reminder of the strength and determination that caregivers exhibit every day.
Through their leadership, they have created a platform that not only acknowledges but also elevates the role of caregivers in our society.
The Scotty Award: Celebrating caregiving heroes
“It’s not easy, but you just have to keep going.” Those were the words of the recipient of the inaugural Scotty Award in 2022, Eddie Gonzalez, who was chosen for the exceptional care.
he’s provided to his wife.
The Scotty Award, a significant highlight of CareCon, stands as a heartwarming tribute to caregiver Scott Miller and his enduring legacy. Lauren’s father Scott was the caregiver of their beloved wife and mother Adele.
This award shines a light on the selfless acts of caregivers, acknowledging their tireless efforts in providing compassionate care.
It honors those who, day in and day out, dedicate themselves to supporting loved ones with dementia, often without seeking recognition.
Acknowledgement and symbolism
This accolade recognizes the extraordinary in everyday caregiving, celebrating the patience, creativity, and resilience that these unsung heroes display.
The Scotty Award is not just an acknowledgment but a symbol of deep gratitude for the invaluable contribution caregivers make to our communities and the lives they touch.
Spotlighting caregiving excellence: The Scotty Award nominees
Nominating a caregiver for the Scotty Award is a meaningful way to acknowledge their exceptional dedication.
The process involves the community coming together to identify and celebrate those who exhibit extraordinary compassion and commitment in their caregiving roles.
Criteria for the Scotty Award
The criteria for the Scotty Award are rooted in a deep understanding of the caregiving journey.
The judging panel, comprising experienced caregivers and professionals, looks for attributes such as empathy, innovation in care strategies, and an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those with dementia.
This award seeks to identify those caregiving heroes who go above and beyond, often changing the course of their care recipient’s life for the better.
Tales of compassion: The power of caregiving stories
Central to the CareCon event is also the platform given to caregivers to share their stories of challenge, triumph, and unconditional love.
Each of The Kensington Falls Church’s dedicated team members, whether they work within our rehabilitation center, the memory care center, or those who work on enriching the lives of our residents, knows how much expressing their experiences can help themselves and others.
These stories are more than just personal accounts. They’re sources of inspiration and connection between caregivers.
They remind caregivers everywhere that they’re part of a larger community—bound by shared experiences and a common purpose
These tales of compassion help to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the caregiving journey
Partnering with HFC and Kensington Falls Church: A path forward
When CareCon draws to a close, the journey does not end there.
HFC and The Kensington Falls Church continue to offer extensive resources and support for caregivers. These resources—from educational materials to support groups—are designed to assist caregivers in every aspect of their journey.
Caregivers interested in nominating someone for the Scotty Award or seeking assistance can turn to The Kensington Falls Church for guidance.
Our commitment to providing holistic caregiving support is evident in their wide range of services and programs.
By engaging with Kensington Falls Church, caregivers gain access to a supportive network that understands and values their crucial role in the lives of those with dementia.
The Kensington Falls Church can be your community as well
CareCon and the Scotty Award represent more than an event; they signify a movement celebrating and supporting the tireless efforts of caregivers.
Through stories, recognition, and ongoing support, CareCon encapsulates the essence of caregiving, offering a path forward for those dedicated to this noble cause.
For more information about what The Kensington Falls Church has to offer your loved one who is struggling with Alzheimer’s or Dementia—reach out to us to learn more about our two levels of memory care.
We’re ready to listen.