Watch 'Family Caregiver Symposium: The Power of Care'

A speaker presents at the Family Caregiver Symposium, discussing the theme "The Power of Care" with a welcoming backdrop.
Camarillo Health Care District CEO served as emcee of the caregiver symposium.

As we know, caregiving has many faces. Each situation is unique, bringing its own set or rewards, and challenges. It can be a friend getting medications or groceries for their neighbor, teenage or adult child taking their parent to their doctor's appointment, a partner or spouse helping their loved one get dressed or bathe, a grandparent caring for a grandchild, and so much more. Providing care, assistance, or support to someone in your life often means that you are a caregiver. 

To support family caregivers in Ventura County, Camarillo Health Care District hosted its first family caregiver symposium: "The Power of Care" on Dec. 16, 2025. The event, which attracted more than 100 people, featured a keynote address by Brenda Birdwell of Coast Caregiver Resource Center on Compassion Fatigue, Post-Traumatic Caregiving and Ambiguous Loss; Caregiver Panel and Q&A featuring Janice Aharon-Ezer of Community Memorial Healthcare Caregiver Navigation Program, Michelle Rios of Coast Caregiver Resource Center and Jordana Lawrence of the Alzheimer's Association; Dani Klein Modisett, founder and CEO of Laughter on Call, on "Finding Humor in the Everyday: Laughter as Medicine," as well as virtual reality meditation and a caregiver skills lab. Participants were given resources, as well.

With gratitude to our community partners Hospital to Home Alliance of Ventura County, California Collaborative for Long Term Services and Support, Ventura County Caregiver Coalition, Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation, and Joseph P. Reardon and Boyko & Reardon Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

We invite you to watch our video from the symposium. Just click here.

 

A speaker addresses an engaged audience in a conference setting, with tables, chairs, and microphones visible.
A group of women are enjoying a buffet with fruits, pastries, and dishes in a communal setting.
Two women are seated, the one on the left is speaking into a microphone, while the other listens attentively, deep in thought.
A woman in a cream suit is speaking into a microphone at a gathering, engaging with an audience in a casual setting.
A woman with curly hair and glasses speaks at a microphone, wearing a pink sweater, in a formal setting.
Two women are engaged in conversation at a round table, with papers and drinks in a social setting.
A group of three people engaged in a discussion at a table, with water bottles, notebooks, and a small decorative plant.
Three women are on stage with a microphone, discussing topics displayed on a screen. One wears a Christmas-themed outfit.
A woman with curly hair speaks into a microphone, wearing a grey sweater and a name tag, likely at a meeting or conference.
A group of people wearing VR headsets sitting in chairs, likely participating in a virtual reality experience.
Three women are sitting at a table with papers and brochures, smiling and engaging with visitors.
Four individuals wearing VR headsets are seated in a room, likely participating in an immersive experience or activity.
Two women are interacting at a table with informational brochures and materials, possibly related to caregiver support.
A speaker discusses caregiving at a Family Caregiver Symposium, with a "Welcome" presentation on display.
A registration desk with attendees checking in and staff handing out materials at a conference or event.
A speaker is presenting on using laughter to connect with others at a conference, featuring Dani Klein Modisett.
A woman speaking into a microphone at a conference, wearing a red jacket and glasses, with a water bottle beside her.
Two women in blue shirts are focused on a tablet, while others in the background wear VR headsets in a classroom setting.
A group of people engaged in conversation around tables, with snacks and drinks, in a meeting or event setting.
A large audience attends a presentation on "Emotion > Memory" related to Alzheimer’s at a conference.
A speaker addresses an engaged audience in a conference setting, with tables, chairs, and microphones visible.
A group of women are enjoying a buffet with fruits, pastries, and dishes in a communal setting.
Two women are seated, the one on the left is speaking into a microphone, while the other listens attentively, deep in thought.
A woman in a cream suit is speaking into a microphone at a gathering, engaging with an audience in a casual setting.
A woman with curly hair and glasses speaks at a microphone, wearing a pink sweater, in a formal setting.
Two women are engaged in conversation at a round table, with papers and drinks in a social setting.
A group of three people engaged in a discussion at a table, with water bottles, notebooks, and a small decorative plant.
Three women are on stage with a microphone, discussing topics displayed on a screen. One wears a Christmas-themed outfit.
A woman with curly hair speaks into a microphone, wearing a grey sweater and a name tag, likely at a meeting or conference.
A group of people wearing VR headsets sitting in chairs, likely participating in a virtual reality experience.
Three women are sitting at a table with papers and brochures, smiling and engaging with visitors.
Four individuals wearing VR headsets are seated in a room, likely participating in an immersive experience or activity.
Two women are interacting at a table with informational brochures and materials, possibly related to caregiver support.
A speaker discusses caregiving at a Family Caregiver Symposium, with a "Welcome" presentation on display.
A registration desk with attendees checking in and staff handing out materials at a conference or event.
A speaker is presenting on using laughter to connect with others at a conference, featuring Dani Klein Modisett.
A woman speaking into a microphone at a conference, wearing a red jacket and glasses, with a water bottle beside her.
Two women in blue shirts are focused on a tablet, while others in the background wear VR headsets in a classroom setting.
A group of people engaged in conversation around tables, with snacks and drinks, in a meeting or event setting.
A large audience attends a presentation on "Emotion > Memory" related to Alzheimer’s at a conference.
A woman is presenting to a group of attendees in a classroom, with refreshments and materials on the tables.

Caregiver Center offers compassionate support for caregivers

The Caregiver Center offers high-quality education, skills training, programs and resources to help caregivers be the best they can be, while also taking care themselves. The center is friendly, professional and intentionally designed to provide practical, compassionate and reality-based support for caregivers, with a variety of services available either at the Center, in your own home, or over the phone. Many services are provided at no charge. The center can also assist with health promotion and disease prevention services.

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