SPIRIT: Self-care for the Caregiver

Self-care for the Caregiver

• How do we keep ourselves motivated and stimulated while caring for our loved ones
• Get Rid of the Guilt
• Self-care when there is no time
• Calling in the Troops

Presented by Marla Kurtz, (CTRS) Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Founder and CEO of Ray of Sunshine

Marla has taken her education, expertise, guidance, love and respect for the elderly to an innovative and new level of services in eldercare. She decided to take a positive spin to” aging in place” and give people the ability to stay engaged, connected, and stimulated throughout the day, no matter what their barriers might be whether it being physical, cognitive, or any other disability. Ray of Sunshine was created to meet that need looking at the person first and the disability second.

Marla Kurtz has taken and captured people’s strengths, interests, and likes and has created custom tailored Therapeutic Recreation programs and intervention sessions for people who can no longer participate in these previous activities for whatever reason break them down into workable manageable tasks for successful outcomes. Returning people’s choice and decision making power, decreasing boredom, depression, and agitation; while increasing their levels of sense of self worth and self esteem. This is accomplished with the utmost dignity and respect for the individual.  Marla Kurtz is constantly advocating her strong message that just because someone may have a physical loss, cognitive impairment, or any other form of disability, given the right tools anyone can lead an active leisure lifestyle be motivated and stimulated throughout the day and enjoy life to the fullest.

She has taken her gift and shared it successfully with hundreds of families globally and even offers caregiver training education series for in house success. Marla Kurtz has appeared on Canadian National Television, Talk Radio, has been published in numerous articles publications and magazines, has spoken at eldercare and caregiver conferences, and was nominated for the Premier of Ontario’s award in the division of health sciences.

She is a CTRS, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist resides in Toronto, Ontario Canada with her husband and her three children.

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For all questions or to become a Partnering Synagogue, please contact Rebbetzin Judi Steinig, steinigj@ou.org