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©2005 Family Caregiver Alliance
Twelve caregivers and friends received a very special gift this fall—a two-day respite from caregiving, all expenses paid, at the beautiful Claremont Resort and Spa in Berkeley. The respite was provided by San Francisco businessman Richard Essey. This is the fifth year he has done so.
Mr. Essey has been connected with FCA for many years. He served on our Board of Directors from 1989-1994, and he is the recipient of FCA’s Jane S. Ophuls Leadership Award in appreciation of his leadership, inspiration and support as a Director.
In 1994, Mr. Essey’s wife Sheila was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). He says, “I was fortunate that when she was no longer able to walk, talk or move her arms, I was able to hire outside caregivers to take care of her while I went to work. I realized, as time went on, how much effort it took for one caregiver to provide care for their loved one 24/7, if they couldn’t afford to hire help.”
So, the Claremont retreat was born, and some lucky FCA caregivers have been able to enjoy two days of rest and relaxation, no strings attached. As part of the gift, he also supplies respite care for the person who is ill.
Now, at a time when many people would be thinking about retiring from business, Mr. Essey is starting a new division of his San Francisco-based firm, TemPositions, to be called Enriched Living. This division will supply paid companions and caregivers to provide a break for families. According to Mr. Essey, these paid caregivers will not be medically trained, but they will be able to help dress, feed, bathe, accompany patients on trips to the doctor, to movies, or other activities to enhance and enrich their lives while the primary family caregiver goes about her/his other duties.
On behalf of the “Claremont retreaters,” we extend our deepest gratitude to Richard Essey for his wonderful, thoughtful gift, and wish him success with his new business venture.
©2005 Family Caregiver Alliance
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