Take Me to Rodger Young Auditorium (Although I have Alzheimer’s)

I have borrowed the title of this post from Dianne Kujubu Belli, who is the Chief Administrative Officer of Keiro. This was the title of a blog post she wrote about what I had to say at the recent Genki Conference: Caregiver’s Edition where I was a speaker.

In her blog, Dianne says:

…one of the most profound lessons learned at the Conference was something that keynote speaker, Frances Kakugawa,  related about “entering the world” of the care recipient.  Bob DeMarco of the Alzheimer’s Reading Room calls this parallel world, “Alzheimer’s World.”

…Frances’ advice at the Caregiver’s Conference and Bob’s advice on his website is to enter Alzheimer’s World.  Do not try to correct your mother (or dad or spouse); she may feel angry and discounted.  When you accept that your mother is living in her own reality in Alzheimer’s World, you will accept her reality and you will feel less frustration.  She cannot change her reality, but you can change your own definition of reality.  You will be treating your mother and her reality with dignity.

To find out why Dianne picked the title “Take Me to Rodger Young Auditorium (Although I have Alzheimer’s),” please read Dianne’s complete post on the Keiro GenkiWoman blog. I am glad to hear that my speech resonated with the attendees at the conference and that Dianne continues to promote what I wanted to convey.

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Frances in L.A. Genki Conference

To my L.A. friends, please join me at the following conference. Will be giving a keynote address:

Genki Conference: noon-4:30 p.m.

April 27, 2014.

Venice Japanese Community Center
12448 Braddock Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90066

The Genki Conference is designed to help you live life to the fullest by addressing the eight dimensions of wellness: physical, occupational, financial, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental.
Caring for a loved one can be physically and emotionally challenging. But knowing what to do, what to expect, and who to depend on may help lighten the load on your shoulders. This conference offers tools and practical resources with compassion for current and future caregivers.
Keynote Presentations:

Family Dynamics in Caregiving
Christina Irving, Family Consultant, Family Caregiver Alliance
Are you caregiving from a long distance, thinking about having your parent move in with
you, or having to make decisions for your loved one? These are common issues many
caregivers go through which may create tension among other family members. Learn
how caregiving affects family dynamics and how you can communicate with family
members effectively.
Please note that the event will be filmed and /or photographed. By registering,
you agree that we may use your likeness to promote Keiro and its events and services.

 

I Am Somebody: Dignity in Caregiving
Frances Kakugawa, poet and author of eleven books, three on caregiving
Come for a poignant, inspirational session which will remind you that you are not alone. Glean wisdom from a seasoned caregiver who has dealt with some of the same experiences, feelings, and struggles that you do–and triumphed.
Schedule
Noon–1:30 p.m. Registration
Lunch and Resource Fair
1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Program
 Mr.  Ms.  Mrs. Name:____________________________
Address:_______________________________________
_______________________________________
E-mail address:_________________________________
Phone: _______________________________________
Registration Form
Please cut off and return
Genki Conference: Car egiver’s Ed ition
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Space is limited and reservations are required.
Please register by one of the following methods:
• Register online at http://www.keiro.org/genki-conference-registration
• Email kkusano@keiro.org with the subject “Conference
Registration”’ and include name, phone number, mailing address,
your first and second choices of breakout session, and indicate if
you would like consultations from an attorney or a pharmacist.
• Call (323) 980-2353
• Mail the form to:
Genki Conference: Caregiver’s Edition
325 Boyle Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90033
I would like a free consultation with a(n):
 Attorney  Pharmacist

Breakout Session (choose one):
1st Choice:  A  B  C  D 2nd Choice:  A  B  C  D
Breakout Session Topics Speakers Description:
A: Hands-On Caregiving
Demonstrations
Barbara Fukuji, P.T. , Whittier Hospital Medical Center
Cheryl Nakagiri, P.T., DG Therapy Group
Myra Chang, O.T., Centinela Hospital Medical Center
Ali Kamada, P.T., Centinela Hospital Medical Center
Janis Ozaki, P.T., Centinela Hospital Medical Center
Learn how to assist your loved one safely
and comfortably.

B: Age in Place Kathleen Cole, OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM &
Shirley Nakaki, P.T., CAPS, ECHM
Home Accessibility Specialists & Partners in
Adapt=Ability, Solutions for Accessible Living
Learn how to make your home work for
you with a focus on safety, comfort and
convenience while embracing the concepts
of healthy aging.

C Options and Resources for
Long-Term Caregiving
Claudia Ellano-Ota, LCSW, Executive Director,
Caregiver Resource Center – Orange County
Learn what options are available for
long-term care and how much they cost.

D Health Care Reform
and You
Shawn Miyake, CEO, Keiro Senior HealthCare Learn how the Affordable Care Act impacts
you and our community.
FREE for All Attendees:

• Bento Lunch sponsored by an
anonymous donor
• Program
• Resource Fair
• Health Screenings by
• Free consultations with
estate planning attorneys and
pharmacists (available by
appointment only)

Win the all-new
2010 Honda
Civic Hybrid

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Genki Conference, Gardena, CA

It was an honor to give the keynote address at the Keiro Health Care conference held at the Gardena Valley Baptist Church last weekend. This was followed by a poetry writing workshop.

Giving keynote address on Dignity in Aging: A Caregiver’s Voice

Reading my “A Feather Boa and a Toothbrush” poem.

Talking poetry writing

Keiro Health Care: Thank you for inviting me to be part of this conference

Brandon Masashige Leong, Community Resources Mgr

Kanako Kusano, Health Promotion Specialist

Shawn Miyake, CEO:President

A writer’s dream…a line of people waiting to purchase books…

Best response from audience came from an attorney: I’m going to send all my troubled clients to a poet. You do better than attorneys.

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Meet me in L.A.

I’ll be in L.A. on the following dates:

June 8th: Will give keynote address and a poetry writing workshop at:

                  Genki Conference: A free conference supporting caregivers at: Gardena Baptist Church

                 1630 W 158th St, Gardena, CA

June 22: Will speak on poetry and caregiving at the forum titled, “Memories of the Way We Were”

                 to be held  on June 22, 2013 from 2:30-6:30PM at the Institute For Genetic Medicine Art Gallery, Keck

                 School of Medicine, University of Southern California.

                 This is under the umbrella of the current art exhibit theme of “Aging People, Aging Planet”

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