Caregiver Retreats

Caregiver Retreats offer family caregivers a one or two-day respite sessions designed to provide rest and rejuvenation.

Organization: Family Caregiver Alliance

Location: San Francisco, CA

How does it work?

Family Caregiver Alliance has offered these retreats in a variety of ways. Historically, these retreats are offered as a one or two day event at a local retreat center. Each retreat has a specific theme related to caregiving with a morning session providing an educational opportunity that is presented like a workshop. Following lunch, a structured activity is offered and these have range from nature hikes, art projects, yoga, journaling, meditation or African drumming. All activities are intended to be participatory and are often unrelated to caregiving.

Family Caregiver Alliance offers technical assistance to help communities get their own program started.

Why is it successful? Post-program evaluations have shown an overall favorable response to the retreats and appreciate the opportunity to have respite in a supportive and therapeutic environment where they can rest, relax and share their caregiving experiences with others who have similar circumstances.

Funding / Expenses: The one day retreats are offered at no charge to the family caregiver attendees and include continental breakfast, lunch and supplies. The estimated cost for the two-day retreats is between $13,000 and $15,000 and in 2008-2009 was available to 24-30 caregivers.Total event costs for FCA range from $1,600 to $2,500, with variability mostly due to cost of the center that is used (occasionally, this was donated). Funding for the retreats came from either the California Department of Mental Health, or through the National Family Caregiver Support Program, administered locally through Area Agencies on Aging.

For more information:

Family Caregiver Alliance 180 Montgomery St. Suite 1100 San Francisco, CA 94104 (415) 434 3388