Seminars Help Caregivers Do Their Best

The Chapter held two Caregiver Seminars with panelists addressing critical issues for ALS caregivers.

By Judi Arnett, Interim Director of Patient Services

A very successful Caregiver Seminar was presented November 17, 2007 at the Hilton Hotel in Glendale, California. Approximately 60 PALS, family members, and friends participated in a full day’s activities, which included a slate of impressive speakers.

The panelists covered many topics of importance to caregivers, and provided detailed handouts for attendees. Leslie Frank, D.P.T. gave demonstrations of how best to physically move PALS. The Chapter’s Clinical Nurse Coordinator, Hope Gruendler, R.N., M.S.N., C.N.S., showed how to apply the Heimlich Maneuver to ALS  patients. Pedro Loza, a Chapter Case Manager, shared tips with the audience for making informed insurance decisions. Linda O’Connor, L.C.S.W., gave a presentation on caregiver stress. Carol Hounsell and Brenda French described the Circle of Care organization, explaining the process for establishing a "Circle of Care" around an ALS patient. A beautiful lunch was also provided.

The program was facilitated by Barbara Frova, a Board Trustee and Patient Services Committee Chair. The event was organized and arranged by our dedicated volunteer, Marsha Miera.

Our first Caregiver Seminar for Riverside County took place on December 8, 2007. It was obvious the group had close personal connections to each other, and the venue was very intimate. The agenda was similar to the Glendale Seminar with many of the same  speakers. Additionally, Sarah Wilkinson, M.S. spoke on the subject of "Self Care and Stress for Caregivers," while Shannon Swinehart, P.T. gave an informative presentation and demonstration on "Back Care and Transfers."

The Riverside County Seminar was enthusiastically facilitated by Chapter Case Manager Griselda Perez. Volunteer Marsha Miera also helped organized this wonderful event.