Senior Woman Enjoying A Garden With Her Caregiver. Therapeutic Benefits Of Nature In Elderly Care. Surrounded By Plants And Flowers. Nurturing And Tranquil Environment. Well Being And Companionship.

Caring for Caregivers

Join us for a day filled with informative sessions, hands-on workshops, and the opportunity to connect with fellow caregivers. UW Extension’s goal is to support and empower you with the knowledge and skills needed to provide the best care possible. The FREE event requires registration due to limited space.

RETREAT

Retreat Schedule

Registration & Check-in- 9:00 AM

Welcome Speech- 9:15 AM - 9:25 AM

Speaker: Deb Craft, Commissioner and Melissa Cook, University of Wyoming Extension Educator.

Engaging Town Hall Meeting: Local Officials Interact With Diverse Residents In Democratic Discussion On Community Matters
Sabine Schenck

Motivational Speaker- 9:25 AM - 10:00 AM

Speaker: Sabine Schenck, Program Director of Wyoming Center of Aging, Laramie

Bio: Counselor Sabine Schenck earned a master’s degree in counseling from California State University and is the program manager at the Wyoming Center of Aging. She has been working in health prevention, chronic conditions management, and behavioral health education for the past 30 years. In her position, she focuses on delivering care to older adults living with chronic health conditions (dementia, diabetes, cancer) and their care partners. She also oversees the Wyoming Dementia Together Caregiver Network, which delivers education and care support to family caregivers in rural areas.

A Caregiver And An Elderly Man Focus On Painting Together, Fostering Creativity And Connection In A Warm And Calming Environment

Legal Peace of Mind- 10:10 AM - 10:50 AM

Learn about the essential legal paperwork that caregivers may need to handle. This class will be taught by an experienced lawyer who will provide insights into important documents, such as power of attorney, wills, and healthcare proxies.

Speaker: Attorney Michelle Burns, Burns Law Office, Greybull

Key Topics Covered:
Understanding Power of Attorney
Creating Healthcare Directives
Legal Considerations for Caregiving

Bio: Attorney Michelle Burns earned her bachelors and J.D. from the University of Wyoming. She has been practicing law for 26 years and currently works at Burns Law Office in Greybull, Wyoming.

Navigating Emotional Well-Being- 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Discover various support group options available for caregivers. This class will be led by a social worker specializing in caregiver support, allowing you to learn how to access resources and find community support.

Speaker: Psychologist Dr. Ralph Louis, Oxbow, Basin

Key Topics Covered:
Identifying Local Support Resources
Benefits of Joining a Support Group
Strategies for Community Engagement

Bio: Ralph Louis received a bachelors in psychology from Kent State University and earned a Ph.D. from the University of Wyoming in clinical psychology. He has been a psychologist for 35 years and currently provides community mental health services through Oxbow Center in Basin, Wyoming.

A Caregiver Taking A Quiet Moment For Themselves In A Peaceful Garden, Using Mindfulness To Manage The Stress Of Caregiving.

Lunch Provided – 11:45 PM – 12:25 PM

Hands Intertwined In Team Building Exercise At Wellness Retreat, Emphasizing Community And Support.

Caregiver Support Group Options- 12:25 PM - 1:00 PM

Discover various support group options available for caregivers. This class will be led by a social worker specializing in caregiver support, allowing you to learn how to access resources and find community support.

Speaker: Social Worker Pat Tanner, First Baptist Church, Basin

Key Topics Covered:
Identifying Local Support Resources
Benefits of Joining a Support Group
Strategies for Community Engagement

Bio: Pat Tanner received his education from California State San Bernardino in 1998 and is a clinical social worker/therapist LCSW with 23 years of experience. He specializes in caregiver support, especially for those caring for dementia patients.

Senior Center Resources- 1:00 PM - 1:10 PM

Speaker: Executive Director Cynthia Johnson will share the variety of resources and assistance available to the public at the senior center.

Bio: Cynthia Johnson currently serves as the Executive Director of South Big Horn Senior Citizens, Inc. in Greybull, WY. She has been employed with the center for over 25 years. She is focused on ensuring that the programs of South Big Horn Senior Citizens meet the needs of seniors in southern Big Horn County. With a strong understanding of aging issues, Cynthia works to enhance the physical, emotional, and social well-being of seniors, providing resources and services that promote independence and quality of life.

A Caregiver Joyfully Assists An Elderly Woman In A Wheelchair Amid A Sunny Garden, Showcasing Themes Of Companionship, Support, And Beautiful Nature Around Them.

Motivational Speaker Sabine Schenck- 1:20 PM – 1:55 PM

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Creative Workshops "You Time"- 2:10 PM - 3:15 PM

Take a break and engage in fun, creative activities designed to promote relaxation and enjoyment. Choose one of these hands-on hobby workshops:

– Sip and Paint with artist Jessice Reesy, Shark’s Peak Sip N Paint, Cody
– Cooking with Dietician Tenika Eardley, Big Horn Nutrition, Greybull
– The Importance of Self Care with Meditation and Soundbath with Suzi Shelhamer from Serenity Wellness Retreat, Basin.

Retreat Details-

Cost– Free, accepting small donations
Date– March 29th, 2025
Time– 9:00 am – 3:15 pm
Address– 21 WY-30, Basin, WY 82410

Respite Care– We have 6 respite care openings. If you need to bring your loved one to attend, please contact Melissa Cook at mcook12@uwyo.edu or call (307) 568-4160.

21 WY-30, Basin, WY 82410

Our Sponsors

The University of Wyoming is an equal opportunity affirmative action institution. The information given herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended, and no endorsement information of products by the University of Wyoming Extension is implied. Nor does it imply approval of products to the exclusion of others, which may also be suitable.