The Good Life - Travel, Leisure & Fun for South Valley Adults

Kaweah Delta and Quail Park are sponsoring "The Senior's Toolbox," an informational conference open to the community. Speakers will address important subjects to better prepare seniors for their present and future needs.

Now in its second year, The Senior's Toolbox is a free educational forum and informational fair addressing situations often faced by seniors, their families and caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

Christ Lutheran Church, 3830 W. Tulare Ave. in Visalia, will host this year's conference from 8 a.m. to noon on Friday, October 4.

Kimberly Jensen is the main coordinator of the event. As community liaison for Quail Park, her job responsibilities include offering information about caring for seniors. Unfortunately, this often happens after an emergency arises.

"Normally, I get a panic call from spouses or family member after a crisis event occurs," Jensen explains. "I want people to be prepared for whatever comes their way and make sure they have set plans before the crisis."

The Senior's Toolbox will help attendees prepare for emergencies before they happen.

When attendees register, they choose which of three presentations to attend in each of two sessions. They can also decide whether to stay for one session or both.

The first session topics to choose from are: "Power of Attorney: Wills and Trusts," presented by Attorney Barbara Craig; "Dementia Training," presented by Marie Espinola of the Alzheimer's Foundation of Central California; and "Quality Aging and Tips on Living Longer," presented by Kimberly Jensen.

Pictured (l-r) are: Tish Davis, who assisted in the event planning; event coordinator/speaker Kimberly Jensen; and Marie Espinola, who returns to speak at this year's event.

A break will then follow, allowing attendees the opportunity to gather important information about the services provided by local and regional healthcare and senior care professionals.

The presentations in the second session include: "Senior Living Options," presented by Kimberly Jensen; "Caring for the Caregiver," presented by Marie Espinola; and "How to Pay for Senior Care without Going Broke," presented by Greg Steen of Steen & Company.

"Last year's event was so informational and productive that the attendees wanted to make sure that we held this event every year," said Jensen. "Planning for your future and getting your 'ducks in a row' while you are still healthy and not in crisis makes for better planning when you might need this information.

"Whatever we can do to better educate the community and give them peace of mind is of the utmost importance," she added.

To register or for more information, call Kimberly Jensen at (559) 737-7443. All registrations must be submitted or called in by October 1.