Women’s Caregiver Forum at Community Center

On Thursday evening, October 20 from 7-8:30pm, The Ridgefield Community Center is hosting a compelling and informative panel discussion for women on the challenges faced by caregivers. The all-women panel features a well-respected group of senior care specialists including two Ridgefielders: Geriatric Care Manager Joan Garbow, MSW, LCSW, CCM, and Financial Advisor Barbara McMahon of Merrill Lynch. They will be joined by Elder Care Attorney Ann Fowler-Cruz, J.D., CELA; Caregiver Coach Kathie Nitz of Strive to Thrive; and Rose Bilash, Director of Community Relations at Ridgefield Crossings.

Women make up the majority of caregivers and many face a difficult challenge in balancing career, parents and children. The panel will discuss a wide spectrum of topics including: Elder law and what documents families need; how to make care decisions; financial benefits and planning for seniors; short stays and other little-known services offered by assisted living communities; and taking time for you, to be the best caregiver you can be.

Ridgefield Community Center Executive Director Di Masters was instrumental in bringing this event together. “I am travelling a scary twisting journey of advancing Alzheimer’s with my best friend, my mom. It is a relief to find experts, with resources that I never imagined were available. Everywhere I go, I find so many others searching for answers just like me. I am proud that we are able to partner in bringing this important forum to the RCC because there is a pandemic of heartbreak and exhaustion surrounding this issue and it falls more often on the shoulders of women as caregivers.”

The evening itself will be a welcome break for caregivers and include light refreshments, a spa raffle and more. To register for this special event sponsored by Ridgefield Crossings, RSVP to 203-431-2255.