200 Attend Conference on Caregiving Issues |
Caring for a loved one is an important responsibility. Yet opportunities to learn about basic caregiving techniques and discuss culturally-sensitive approaches to caregiving are few and far between.
On April 29, a daylong conference was held at VJCC to provide just such an opportunity where valuable insights and perspectives, as well as useful resources for caregiving, were shared.
Aileen Hongo, a VJCC member and former staff member at Keiro Senior HealthCare, opened the event by sharing personal experiences about caring for her mother who suffers from congestive heart failure.
Keynote speaker Tazuko Shibusawa, Ph.D., an associate professor at the New York University School of Social Work and a bilingual licensed clinical social worker, addressed culturally specific challenges to caregiving in the Japanese American community, and shared research data on demographic trends in aging, life-cycle patterns and diversity.
Shibusawa warned caregivers against various “cognitive distortions” that tend to aggravate situations and strain relationships. For example, she said, “It is important not to see things as all-or-nothing, to blame yourself, or to dwell on negative details when things don’t go right.” Caregivers must also learn to take care of themselves.
She discussed the relevance of Japanese American values such as gaman (to be patient, to endure), on and giri (duty or obligation), haji (shame), meiwaku (to cause trouble, be a burden), and enryo (holding back) in the caregiver relationship. Dr. Shibusawa may be reached at tazuko.shibusawa@nyu.edu.
Following a free bento lunch, the afternoon included workshops on practical topics such as basic caregiving skills, legal issues, avoiding caregiver burnout, and available community resources.
“The speakers were down-to-earth and practical,” one participant said. “It was good to know that I’m not alone in caring for someone,” another added.
Every attendee also received a tote bag and a Manual for Caregivers produced by the Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC), which includes a directory of community resources, a listing of forms and signs of elder abuse, and tips for coping strategies.
The event was co-sponsored by LTSC (213-473-3035), www.ltsc.org) and the VJCC Committee on Caregiving (Eric Inouye, chair; Toshi Aiboshi; Dianne Kujubu Belli; Isaac Hirano and Sharon Kumagai) with the support of the City of Los Angeles Department on Aging.
- Selected Caregiving Resources -
Alzheimer’s Association, 800-272-3900 *
Bet Tzedek Legal Services, 323-939-0506
Center for Health Care Rights, 800-824-0780
Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center, 800-540-4442
Keiro Senior HealthCare, 323-989-8629
In-Home Supportive Services program, 888-944-4477
H.E.L.P. for Seniors, 310-533-1996
By Gail Sharp
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There is more to the average VJCC member than meets the eye. Aileen Hongo is mom, cheerleader and snack provider for VYC basketballers Mika and Tomomi. Aileen is also a family caregiver and senior healthcare professional who shared her experiences with us at the Caregiver Conference in April. And, beginning with the next issue of the VJCC newsletter, Aileen will help all of us explore unfamiliar territory with a new regular feature called Senior Moments. “The recent Caregiver Conference at the VJCC was a wake-up call that aging/caregiving issues are of concern to many in our community. |
Some of us are caring for elderly loved ones while working full time and raising children. Others are being cared for but want to stay independent as long as possible. My vision is that, combined with the valuable resources within our own community, the Senior Moments column will provide a forum for senior adults on health and wellness, caregiving, home modification and social topics just to name a few. I’m excited about this column because it really will be what the community wants it to be. Questions and comments from VJCC members are welcome!”