Two people hugging at annual UCSF Neuro-Oncology Caregiver Retreat

Caregiver Retreat 2019

The UCSF Neuro-Oncology Caregiver Retreat will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019, from 9:00am to 4:00pm. This year's theme is "Fostering Resilience Through Knowledge & Self-Compassion," with the following topics and activities planned.

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Brain Tumors 101: Effects of a Brain Tumor on the Caregiver

  • Dr. Jennie Taylor and Margaretta Page, RN will offer a brief neuro-anatomy and neuro-physiology review with attention to the implications of tumor location and the side effects of regularly prescribed medications on patient’s physical, emotional, and cognitive function and their impact on the patient, the caregiver, and the patient-caregiver relationship.

Taking Care of Your Body: Exercise for Caregivers

  • Avoid Inactivity: Learn by doing and talking through the key components of a well-balanced exercise program. We will also discuss a few simple things to help you prioritize
    time and stay motivated with exercise. 

Taking Care of Your Soul: Tools for Self-Compassion

Discussion Groups

  • Share your story and connect with fellow caregivers going through similar experiences

Massage Therapy

  • Relax and take advantage of complimentary massage services provided by certified therapists from Touch Wellness

 

Photos from the 2019 Caregiver Retreat

Read about the 2019 Caregiver Retreat here. 

Susan Chang, MD gives a lecture
Susan Chang, MD kicks off the event by welcoming caregivers to the annual retreat.
Jennie Taylor, MD gives a talk
Jennie Taylor, MD describes the effect of brain tumors on patients.
Margaretta Page, RN at the annual caregiver retreat
Margaretta Page, RN, discusses how caregivers can – and should – take care of themselves.
Regan Fedric, cancer exercise specialist, leads an exercise workshop
Cancer exercise specialist Regan Fedric leads the room in an exercise workshop.
caregivers sit in a circle during a support group session
The retreat also includes support group discussions.
caregiver speaks with Margaretta Page, RN
Margaretta Page, RN chats with a caregiver.
caregivers receive chair massages
Chair massages, always a favorite, are available at every Caregiver Retreat.
two caregivers chatting
At the retreat, caregivers can interact with each other in a comfortable environment and build community.
caregivers clapping after an informational talk
Informational talks provide practical advice geared towards the unique challenges caregivers face.
UCSF Neuro-Oncology Caregiver Program team
The Caregiver Program Team: Margaretta Page, RN, Susan Chang, MD, Rosemary Rossi, MSW, and Elle Woodall.

 

Photos from the 2018 Caregiver Retreat

Read about the 2018 Caregiver Retreat here. 

support group discussion at annual Caregiver Retreat
A member of the Caregiver Team, Margaretta Page, RN (right, in red) facilitates support group discussion.
Rosemary Rossi, UCSF social worker
A member of the Caregiver Team, Rosemary Rossi, MSW, leads a guided meditation activity.
chair massages at the annual Caregiver Retreat
Chair massages, a perennial favorite, are available at every Caregiver Retreat.
caregivers during a musical therapy activity
Different activities are planned each year. Here, caregivers participate in a musical therapy activity.
Support group discussion at the caregiver retreat
The Caregiver Retreat is designed to provide an environment for caregivers to connect with others going through similar experiences.
Group discussions during the annual Caregiver Retreat
Informational talks, followed by discussion and Q&A sessions, provide practical tips that are geared towards the challenges that caregiver may face.
Caregiver chatting with UCSF neuro-oncologist Susan Chang, MD
The retreat allows caregivers to interact with each other and members of our team in a comfortable environment. Here, Susan Chang, MD (Director of the UCSF Neuro-Oncology Gordon Murray Caregiver Program) chats with a caregiver.
Caregivers hugging at the annual Caregiver Retreat
Caregivers often describe how meaningful it is to interact with other caregivers, to have a sense of community, and be supported by others that are going through similar experiences.

 

The annual retreat is provided at no charge and supported by donations to the UCSF Neuro-Oncology Gordon Murray Caregiver Program.