Nineteen caregivers enjoy two days of pampering at the Claremont Resort
Thirteen caregivers from the Bay Area and six from other parts of the state enjoyed a carefree weekend at the Claremont Resort in Berkeley last August, courtesy of the Caregiver Resource Centers and San Francisco businessman Dick Essey. This is the second year that Dick, a former FCA Board member and a caregiver himself, has sponsored the event.
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Caregivers Yvonne Fetscher and Marilyn and Phil Sohmer enjoy the reception at the Claremont. (Photo by Donna Schempp)
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Caregivers who had been on our waiting list for respite services were offered the opportunity to participate in the all-expenses-paid weekend. Substitute care for their loved ones was included.
After a kick-off welcome reception came two glorious days of freedom from care responsibilities, and a chance to sleep, eat, read, shop and just relax uninterrupted.
The reactions from our guests were, as might be expected, ecstatic:
"My room was lovely, the food exquisite, and the service excellent. Getting acquainted with other caregivers was the highlight, though! What a splendid opportunity for sharing input and ideas!"
"Thank you for taking care of me."
"We want to tell you how much we appreciated the wonderful weekend you provided for us…It is our joy and duty to take care of our loved ones, but our own lives stop in so many ways when their disability begins."
"One of the best features has been getting to know other caregivers. Five of us women gathered in one's room Friday evening after the reception for what turned out to resemble an old-fashioned slumber party with many laughs."
"There are no words to express my appreciation for this gift."
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Caregivers at the retreat signed a "Thank You" card for Dick Essey. (Photo by Donna Schempp)
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FCA joins the participants in expressing our deep gratitude to Dick Essey for his generous recognition of the importance of taking a break from caregiving demands. To find out more about our low-cost respite programs -including Caregiver Retreats, Weekend Camps for Caring, and more—call us at (800) 445-8106. Gift Certificates are available for holiday giving!
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