Retreat Session Content
The Retreat Schedule & Sessions (all discussion is confidential)
Friday
Along with the intensity of discussion as important questions of caring and relating are considered, our aim is that you will also have time to enjoy and relax in our wonderful setting.
3:00pm – 6:30pm
Arrival, greetings with settling in, and relaxation.
6:30pm – ~8:00pm (sharing dinner with Katherine & Jon)
- Getting to know you and details concerning your elder(s); review of questionnaire responses.
- An outline of Saturday-Sunday sessions with answering your questions.
Saturday
9:00am – 10:30am
- Logistics of care: housing, financing, and care provision. Based on your questionnaire responses and Friday evening’s discussion, we will tailor what is often consideration of issues related to current and future (including facility) housing options, affording care under different circumstances, and the array of assist/medical supports that exist for elder care.
11:00am – 12:30pm
- End of life: again, based on previous discussion we will consider advanced legal/care planning, physical/cognitive decline and dying-death processes, and issues related to supporting your elder and yourself psychologically and/or religiously through what is so often an experience that goes through many years and phases.
12:30pm – 7:00pm
- This period is open for you to enjoy time relaxing or touring as well as lunch and dinner on your own in the unit or at one of the many fine area restaurant/eateries. The unit includes a binder with information about area restaurants, attractions, sites, and hikes, but you may also wish simply to take a walk, nap, read, or otherwise unwind. Feel free to ask about ideas or recommendations.
7:00pm – ~8:30pm
- Social factors: your feelings and readiness; communication and relations with siblings/spouses as well as your elders; exploring other circles of support and self-care.
Sunday
9:30am – 11:00am
- Wrap-up (in conjunction with sharing locally-sourced pastries, fruit, and beverages with Katherine & Jon): unfinished discussion with questions you have, summary of the weekend’s considerations, possibilities for follow-up.
11:00am – 1:00pm
- You may want to pack up and eat from the provisions you have there in the unit; some like to get on the road and eat on the way home. Check-out is 1:00pm but there is more to be explored in our area if you wish to plan that for your afternoon.
Accommodations and Food
The retreat price covers the cost of lodging and all sessions in full. Accommodation for the “Caring for Elder Family” retreats is in a beautiful apartment with a living-bedroom area, kitchenette, and full bathroom. A queen bed on a raised platform is surrounded by plexiglass or screens depending on the weather and lies above a wood floored and paneled living-dining area. Many sessions of the retreat will take place there or at the outside porch area. The apartment is attached to the back of our home in Colrain but is private with its own entrance, key, and porch area.
The kitchenette is furnished with a small fridge, toaster oven, induction hotplate, sink, coffee/tea facility, and complete set of crockery & ware for food preparation and eating. Free of charge, your hosts will provide a delicious take-out meal on Friday evening and Sunday morning; please notify us of any food allergies. For lunch and/or dinner Saturday, you can enjoy one of our many local and good restaurants while bringing desired foodstuffs for Saturday breakfast and/or lunch (see “What to bring with you” below). Surrounding your lodging are lawns and gardens nestled against fields and forest: some have described it as a “bit of Eden.” Click below for a gallery of photographs. You can also see reviews of the unit and our hospitality on Airbnb where it has been rated a 5-star “Guest Favorite” (you cannot reserve the lodging for the retreat dates through Airbnb):
Relaxation, Exploring the Area, and Dining Out
Our home is just 10 minutes from the I-91 Greenfield exit. It sits on a parcel of the Valley Community Land Trust where 5 residences have separate leaseholds as well as steward 40+ acres of trailed woods and wetlands (map provided). A wall map gives ideas for safe walks right out the door, or you will find information in the apartment on numerous short hikes amongst the beautiful surrounding hills. In addition, our area offers wonderful touring sites like Shelburne Falls, Old Deerfield, and museums/shopping in the Northampton-Amherst area. Finally, for eating out on Saturday – though most guests bring food for breakfast and lunch especially; coffee/tea facility is provided – you will find a guest binder with various dining options described and recommended.
What to bring with you
Bring comfortable clothes for relaxing in as well as walking around exploring the area during free time. You are welcome to bring any food items for simple meals and snacks as you will have a small refrigerator, toaster oven, hot-plate, pour-over coffee carafe and filters, and dishes/utensils in the kitchenette. Most guests bring provisions for Saturday breakfast and/or lunch, but you are welcome to bring more, shop locally, or order for pick-up or delivery for dinner on Saturday. We will supply you with coffee and tea, half and half, and butter, salt and pepper. Your apartment is attached to the house but is independent with its own entrance. There is a raised queen size bed one step up from a beautiful living/dining area. You have your own full bathroom with shower, and linens, blankets, and towels are provided.
Consider bringing a journal, notebooks, or electronic devices (there is wifi and cellphone connection through wifi) for gathering your own thoughts, questions and information shared/learned throughout the weekend. We apologize because we love both children and pets: however, they cannot be accommodated on the retreat. The weekend is geared towards providing you with support but also as a time for you to retreat and relax.