Caregiver Retreat: A Day of Recovery
March 26, 2025
Q&A with Wendy Figone, Certified Forest Therapy Guide, Myofascial Release Therapist and Stanford Compassion Ambassador.
As caregivers, we often give so much, it’s easy to forget to care for ourselves. That’s why Family Caregiver Alliance has teamed up with restorative retreat designer Wendy Figone to invite you to a one-day, in-person family caregiver retreat. Join us May 17th from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Casita House in Moraga, where you’ll reconnect with your body, mind and spirit—and find a moment of peace in the midst of your caregiving journey.
Unwind for a day to build community with fellow caregivers, discover how self-compassion fuels self-care and engage in easy, joyful movement to enhance mobility and release stress hormones. Through embodied stress-release practices and guided nature experiences, you’ll gain practical tools to support peace-of-mind, foster resilience and promote holistic well-being.
What: In-person Family Caregiver Retreat
When: Saturday, May 17th from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (lunch provided)
Where: Casita House at Hacienda de las Flores, Moraga, California
Cost: No charge to caregivers
Deadline to register: May 10, 2025
Register today. Spots will fill up quickly! Register here.
We sat down with Wendy to discover more about what participants can expect from our caregiver retreat, what they’ll gain and why taking time for ourselves is so important right now.
Who’s invited to join the caregiver retreat?
This retreat is open to family and friend caregivers of all ages and all levels of experience with mindfulness, who care for an adult with onset neurodegenerative disorder or who is over the age of 60 and lives with a chronic health condition; and who live in the San Francisco Bay Area, including Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Women, men, non-gendered and trans individuals are all welcome.
Can you describe the retreat setting and atmosphere?
We’ll gather at the Casita House at Hacienda de las Flores, a beautiful Spanish villa nestled among the redwoods in Moraga, California. It’s a tranquil, restorative environment, ideal for relaxation and reflection. Parking and restrooms are easy to access and a healthy lunch will be provided.
What can participants expect from this one-day retreat?
I designed this retreat to provide caregivers with a day of peace and rejuvenation. I’ll share practical tools and practices to enhance their own well-being and resilience. Participants will take part in forest therapy (Shinrin-Yoku), self-compassion practices, and gentle movement activities that promote stress reduction and holistic well-being. They’ll leave with actionable techniques to sustain their health and better care for themselves and their care recipients. And, by building community with other caregivers, participants will leave knowing where to find support and who to ask for help.
What have participants said about attending past restorative retreats?
People enjoy spending a delightful day in nature and tell me they leave feeling empowered, supported, seen and heard. Many of them incorporate the practical tools and resources to continue supporting themselves long after the retreat.
Can you talk about what inspired you to design this restorative retreat?
I’ve worked with a lot of patients with Parkinson’s disease. In session, I’d turn to their partners and ask, “How are you caring for yourself?” What I found is the caregivers give so much, they don’t focus on themselves. If you’re a caregiver, I invite you to investigate how improving your quality of life will improve the quality of life for your care recipient as well.
What would you say to someone hesitating to take the time for themselves to attend?
Taking time for self-care is essential for sustaining your ability to care for others. This retreat offers a supportive environment and practical tools that can significantly benefit your overall well-being.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about the retreat?
The retreat integrates evidence-based practices endorsed by organizations like the APA, focusing on nurturing both physical and mental well-being through mindfulness and nature immersion.
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Register for the retreat today.
About Wendy Figone
Wendy Figone is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide, Myofascial Release Therapist, Certified Yoga Teacher and Stanford Compassion Ambassador. Trained by John Barnes, the leading authority in Myofascial Release, she specializes in nature-based retreats designed to alleviate burnout and stress, enhancing both mental and physical health.