Vashon Community Care (VCC) will host a caregivers resource fair on Sunday, June 2 to present the various elder care resources and options that are available to islanders.

Guest speaker Jonathan Prescott, the founder of Wise Caregiving, an organization aiming to promote “contemplative wisdom” in caring for elders, will discuss how caregivers can improve their listening, responsiveness and presence around those receiving care.

According to an informational postcard VCC sent to island residences, Prescott will show how “self-awareness is a therapeutic tool that leads to more sustainable, effective care.”

A number of island eldercare and health providers will be on hand at the fair, including Vashon Home Care Network, Visiting Angels and Vashon Youth & Family Services, in addition to representatives from Providence Home Health, Catholic Community Services and others.

“The thought behind this resource fair is to have all the caregiving entities on the island come to one place so folks who are already [in care] or are planning care for their loved ones know what resources they have and how to access them,” said David Carleton, VCC community relations director.

Carleton said it is essential that caregivers be mindful of their own wellbeing, not just the individual that they are caring for. That’s part of the message Carleton said Prescott will bring to those who attend the event.

“John takes an open heart approach to how caregivers can help provide care and maintain balance, health, body and mind,” he said.

He added that making decisions as caregivers is often difficult for families, underscoring the need for support of all involved in the care for a loved one.

For more information or to RSVP to attend the presentation, email dcarleton@vashoncommunitycare.org. Space is limited.

— Paul Rowley