Share
Post
Presented by Beverly Ito & Donna Ito Hallett
In Memory of Bill & Grace Ito
Saturday, October 24, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Orange County Buddhist Church (OCBC)
909 Dale Ave, Anaheim, CA, 92804
Guided by the theme “Cultivating a Community of Care,” Keiro’s second Caregiver Conference of 2026 will be held in Orange County. This event will connect caregivers with local resources to strengthen their support network.
Many in Our Community experience caregiving as both an act of love and a source of stress. While caregiving can often feel isolating and overwhelming, cultivating a community of care helps caregivers find the renewal and encouragement to confidently meet challenges with greater resilience. Through workshops, consultations, and respite services, attendees will discover ways to collectively navigate care, manage expenses, and find balance in their daily lives.
Registration
Registration will close Friday, October 9, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PT, or when capacity is reached. Space is limited, and participation will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration is required to attend. All tickets cannot be transferred.
For questions, please contact [email protected] or 213.873.5792.
What to Expect
-
Keynote Panel
Learn how caregiving is most effective when family caregivers, health care professionals, social workers, and community resources are all connected.
-
Interactive Workshops
Gain practical skills and connect with others in hands-on learning sessions.
-
Resource Fair
Explore local services, organizations, and professionals providing support for caregivers.
-
Bento Lunch
Enjoy a complimentary meal while connecting with others on their caregiving journey.
-
Consultation
Consult with professionals from various fields and ask your specific questions.
Schedule
11:00 a.m. – Registration Opens
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Lunch and Resource Fair
12:30 – 12:45 p.m. – Welcome Remarks
12:45 – 1:45 p.m. – Keynote Panel: Navigating Medicare for Family Caregivers
1:45 – 2:00 p.m. – Break
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Workshops
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Consultations*
Sign up with the link provided in the registration confirmation email.
3:00 – 3:15 p.m. – Break
3:15 – 4:15 p.m. – Workshops
4:15 – 4:30 p.m. – Closing Remarks and Opportunity Drawing
4:30 p.m. – End of Conference
Upon registration, attendees will select two out of three workshops they wish to participate in.
Keynote Panel
A Fuller Circle of Care
Caring for a loved one takes a team. This panel will bring together the unique perspectives of a nurse, social worker, and family caregiver to explore how each role contributes to building a stronger community of care. Through their expert guidance and lived experiences, attendees will gain practical strategies for navigating care, communicating effectively with providers, and accessing resources with greater confidence. This panel will leave you inspired, better connected, and empowered to care with the support of a community behind you.
Attendees will:
- Recognize the unique role each member of the care team plays in supporting the care recipient.
- Build confidence to navigate the caregiving journey by learning to communicate across care teams, access resources, and know when and where to seek support.
- Strengthen their own circle of care by identifying opportunities to partner with others, advocate for their loved one, and create a more connected, sustainable caregiving experience.
BJ Watanabe
Family Caregiver
BJ Watanabe is a Sansei, born and raised in Seattle as one of eight children. In college, a life-changing internship at Mademoiselle magazine brought her to New York, where she worked for Clinique and met her husband, Ron, through the New York -Japanese American Citizens League. Since moving to Orange County in 1986, BJ has been active in the community, creating a school diversity program, Japanese American summer camp, volunteer initiatives with the Girl Scouts of Orange County, and more. Today, she is a caregiver for Ron, who lives in a memory care community, and supports her sister who is also in memory care in Seattle.
Norman Estrologo
BSN, RN
Norman Estrologo is a dedicated nurse leader specializing in skilled nursing facility administration, hospice, home health, and patient care management. Having served extensively as Director of Nursing Services at EVA Care Home Health Services, he has directed complex clinical operations and led major quality rating improvements. Norman balances executive administrative leadership with hands-on clinical expertise across diverse care settings. Currently, he is establishing a home health agency serving Northern Los Angeles County, while continuing to provide home health nursing visits and consulting for non-medical home care agencies. Norman holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from National University.
Andrea Strouth
LCSW
Andrea Strouth, LCSW, is Director of Clinical Services for the adult community-based palliative care program at Providence at Home with Compassus. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and has dedicated the past 16 years to supporting patients and families navigating serious or life-limiting illnesses. Over the past 11 years, Andrea has successfully developed and managed community-based programs serving more than 700 patients across Los Angeles and Orange Counties through Providence, now Providence at Home with Compassus.
Workshops
Upon registration, attendees will select two out of three workshops they wish to participate in.
Navigating Medicare for Family Caregivers
Medicare coverage and qualifying conditions can be both confusing and difficult to manage as a caregiver. This workshop will help family caregivers understand the situations that Medicare will and will not cover, including hospital stays, skilled nursing facility (SNF) care, and hospice. This workshop is designed to help family caregivers understand the role of Medicare in your loved one’s unique care situation. Attendees will feel more confident and prepared to navigate the road ahead.
Attendees will learn:
- The distinction between covered (medically necessary care) and non-covered (custodial care).
- The qualifying conditions for SNF coverage through Medicare.
- What Medicare’s hospice benefit covers and how to become eligible.
Sue Wakamoto-Lee
Born and raised in Southern California, Sue Wakamoto-Lee is the owner of Cloud Benefits Consulting. She has over 30 years of experience working in health insurance, currently specializing in Medicare plans. She was a founding member of Ellevate Foundation, an organization with the mission of fostering leadership for both existing and aspiring female leaders. She is a past board president of the California Agents and Health Insurance Professionals (CAHIP), the largest chapter of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP).
Deciding to Move: Key Considerations
Deciding on a long-term care facility for an aging parent or loved one is one of the most important and often overwhelming decisions a family will face. This presentation will break down the process into essential areas of focus that can help you move from uncertainty to a clear, confident plan. Attendees will learn which paperwork to have ready/prepared, what to look for that people can miss, and how to create a transition plan. You will learn about the top five things to know when selecting the “right” facility.
Attendees will learn:
- To identify the key documents and information to have in place when considering a long-term care facility.
- To evaluate facility options by using the top considerations people often overlook.
- To develop an action plan and preparation checklist for transitioning into a facility.
Kevin Onishi, MHA
Kevin Onishi is the chief operating officer at Keiro where he leads day-to-day operational functions that advance the organization’s ability to advance community-based aging services. Kevin serves on the Board of Trustees at Hollenbeck Palms and is a member of both the U.S.-Japan Council’s Emerging Leaders Program and the Consulate General of Japan’s LA Next Generation Japanese American Leaders Initiative. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Health Policy from UC Irvine and a Master of Health Administration from Colorado State University Global.
Aging in Place, By Design
Staying safe and comfortable at home is one of the most important aspects of aging in place. This session offers caregivers and older adults a practical look at how to make their home safer and to plan for changes that adapt to their needs over time. Whether you are caring for a parent in a family home or preparing your own home for the future, you will leave with approachable ideas for creating a safer, more comfortable living space.
Attendees will learn:
- To identify key home safety hazards and assess how universal design principles can reduce fall risk and improve accessibility.
- Consider practical, often low-cost modifications that support both caregiver safety and care recipient independence.
- How to prioritize modifications based on budget, urgency, and the care recipient’s changing needs over time.
Ciera Reiko Gruhn
Ciara Reiko Gruhn is a licensed occupational therapist specializing in geriatric care in the inpatient hospital setting. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychobiology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology from UCLA before completing her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (OT) at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH). Ciara also serves as part-time faculty at CSUDH on the Fieldwork Faculty team, where she helps coordinate and support the OT student fieldwork program.In addition to caring for older adults in her clinical practice, she has served as a caregiver for her own grandmother, supporting her through recovery and rehabilitation following a stroke and hip fracture. She currently lives with her grandmother and continues to serve as her primary caregiver.
Consultations
Care Navigation
Work with professionals from Alzheimer’s Orange County and the Little Tokyo Service Center to get guidance and support in your caregiving journey. Learn about next steps and resources to help you plan and prepare for the future.
Estate Planning
Nathan Watanabe of Watanabe & Suemori, LLC, will answer questions to ensure your estate is handled the way you want.
Notarizing Advance Health Care Directives (AHCD)
Patricia Kuramoto will provide notary services for AHCDs. Completing an AHCD helps ensure your healthcare wishes are documented and can be followed if you are unable to communicate them yourself.
Medication Review
Dr. Bill Liu from the Orange County Health Care Agency will help review your medications. If you take multiple medications, often termed polypharmacy, a medication review can help you better understand your medications and identify questions to discuss with your doctor.
In-Home Care
Get a better understanding of where you are in your care journey. TheKey Home Care / Millennia can help you explore your care needs and understand what type of in-home care may be right for you.
Sign up with the link provided in the registration confirmation email (limited availability on a first-come, first-serve basis).
Resource Fair
Alzheimer’s Orange County
Contact: Alzheimer’s Orange County
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 844.373.4400
Website: https://www.alzoc.org/
Alzheimer’s Orange County supports individuals living with memory loss and their caregivers through dementia and brain health education, care consultations, support groups, a helpline, resource referrals, early-stage programs, memory screenings, and adult day services.
Alzheimer’s Association Orange County Chapter
Contact: Alzheimer’s Association Orange County Chapter
Phone: 1.800.272.3900
Website: https://www.alz.org/oc
The Alzheimer’s Association provides caregivers education focused on Alzheimer’s, dementia, and brain health, monthly support groups, and a 24/7 helpline to assist with questions, resource navigation, and emotional support.
Association for Frontal Temporal Dementia (AFTD)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 866.507.7222
Website: https://www.theaftd.org/
AFTD’s mission is to improve the quality of life of people affected by FTD and drive research toward a cure. They work every day to advance research, awareness, support, education, and advocacy.
Cloud Benefits Consulting
Contact: Sue Wakamoto-Lee
Email: [email protected]
Navigating Medicare can be confusing. As an independent licensed agent, I aim to educate Medicare beneficiaries and those who care for them so that they understand what benefits are available to them.
Fukui Mortuary
Contact: Russell Martinez
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 213.626.0441
Website: https://www.fukuimortuary.com/
Family owned mortuary for over 100 years. Providing all funeral services, basic cremation, scattering at sea, tp cemetery property and grave markers.
Independence at Home by SCAN
Contact: Independence at Home by SCAN
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 866.421.1964
Website: https://www.independenceathome.org/
IAH is dedicated to empowering older adults and their caregivers to thrive independently in their homes. Our team—comprised of social workers, nurses, therapists, and health educators—offers a range of programs that support both mental and physical well-being.
Iyashi Care
Contact: Keiro
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 213.873.5791
Website: keiro.org/iyashi-care
Iyashi Care offers palliative care for Japanese American and Japanese older adults with serious illnesses. Our bilingual team of health care professionals provides guidance and support for both patients and their families as they pursue the best possible quality of life alongside treatment.
Keiro Kikyo Home
Contact: Keiro
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 213.873.5700
Website: keiro.org/kkh
Keiro Kikyo Home is a board and care home dedicated to providing compassionate, culturally sensitive support for older adults. As a part of Keiro’s commitment to building a community where everyone, across generations, can live a healthier and more fulfilling life, Keiro Kikyo Home offers residents and their loved ones a safe, comfortable environment rooted in dignity and respect.
Little Tokyo Service Center
Contact: Jun Hori, Manager of Care and Support Services
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 213.473.3035 (Main Office), 310.819.8659 (South Bay Office)
Website: ltsc.org
LTSC is a nonprofit social service and community development agency primarily serving the greater Los Angeles County area in multi-lingual services. LTSC’s social services department provides care management, counseling/therapy and support groups as well as information and referral to specific needs.
Patricia Kuramoto
Contact: Patricia Kuramoto, CLPF
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 310.907.5714
Website: patfiduciary.wordpress.com
Patricia Kuramoto is a California Licensed Professional Fiduciary who provides ethical management of a vulnerable person’s finances, healthcare, and personal affairs, acting as a conservator, trustee, or agent under a power of attorney.
TheKey Home Care / Millennia
Contact: Yukari Roberts
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 888.285.4913
Website: TheKey.com/Millennia
TheKey / Millennia provides non-medical, in-home services, delivering individually designed, culturally sensitive, and person-centered care to older adults in Japanese American and Japanese communities. Our comprehensive services include hourly home care, 24-hour care, hospital-to-home transitions, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, and various other specialized care options.
UCI MIND
Contact: Research Clinic
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 949.824.0008
Website: https://mind.uci.edu/
UCI MIND is a non-profit Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias research organization at UC Irvine. They are part of the ADRC network and the only state- and federally funded Alzheimer’s disease research center in Orange County.
U.S. Bank
Contact: Nancy Okubo
Email: [email protected]
Website: usbank.com
U.S. Bancorp, with approximately 70,000 employees and $695 billion in assets as of September 30, 2025, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company serves millions of customers locally, nationally and globally through a diversified mix of businesses including consumer banking, business banking, commercial banking, institutional banking, payments and wealth management. U.S. Bancorp has been recognized for its approach to digital innovation, community partnerships and customer service, including being named one of the 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies and one of Fortune’s most admired superregional banks. Learn more at usbank.com/about.
Event Sponsorships
Presenting Sponsor
Beverly Ito & Donna Ito Hallett
In Memory of Bill & Grace Ito
Gold Sponsor
Ron Takasugi & Nora Kubota
Silver Sponsor
US Bank
Purple Sponsor
Gene & Vickie Kanamori
Green Sponsors
Jerry Iseda
Karl Kim, Retirement Planning Advisors, Inc.
TheKey Home Care / Millennia
Venice Hongwanji Buddhist Temple
Venue Sponsor
Orange County Buddhist Church
In-Kind Donor
US Bank
Ready to make an impact?
Join us in supporting and empowering older adults and their caregivers in Our Community! Please explore the options outlined in this packet, and reach out to our team to discuss the next steps.
Click here for the 2026 Caregiver Conference Sponsorship Packet
For more information on our sponsorship packages or to discuss customizing a package that aligns with your objectives, please contact Michelle Obi at [email protected].
Past Caregiver Conference Presentation Recordings
“2026 Caregiver Conference – West Los Angeles LIVESTREAM” Video – https://youtu.be/fsuuT01y8iM
Past Caregiver Conferences
The Caregiver Conference is FREE to the community and is made possible by Keiro along with support from our community partners, sponsors, donors, and volunteers.
For questions or concerns, please contact [email protected].