When one is given a diagnosis, it can be overwhelming because the magnitude of information begins a new journey that was never imagined. This journey leaves partners devastated, scared and angry. Often both parties become depressed and the illness slowly takes over their lives.
Starting this month, we are offering a two-hour class for individuals and couples in this quagmire of decisions and new ways of being, called “The Holistic Approach To Managing Progressive Illnesses.” The goal of the class is to look at the issues you will need to plan for that might give a sense of freedom to both the person with the illness and the care partner. This will ultimately help you to find “joy” again to make this diagnosis just a small part of your life and not dominate it or prevent you from having the best quality of life possible.
This class has practical issues regarding housing, entitlements, legal documents and future care – and will help individuals and couples look at what they need to do in the short-term for the long-term benefit. Thus, at the same time, freeing them to again find what gives their life meaning and purpose to be the focus and not the illness.
Our first class will be Friday, February 21st at 10 AM till Noon. The cost is $10 per person and $15 for a couple. Class will be held in our Walnut Creek office – 1808 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek. To register, call 925-937-2018 or email [email protected].
About the Presenter
“The Holistic Approach To Managing Progressive Illnesses” is presented by Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC, Founder and Executive Director of Eldercare Services in Walnut Creek and past President of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM). Linda has over 30 years’ experience working with couples, families, caregivers and those with a progressive illness.