Occupational Therapist to Offer Caregiving Tips

Lompoc Valley Medical Center Licensed Occupational Therapist Emily Garnica will offer caregivers tips about caring for loved ones during a free lecture on February 21, 2024.

Garnica will provide her expertise during the Lompoc Hospital District Foundation lecture beginning at 6 pm.

The lectures are held at the Dick DeWees Community and Senior Center, 1120 W. Ocean Ave., in conjunction with the city of Lompoc’s Park and Recreation Division.

In this presentation, Garnica will instruct caregivers about aspects of caregiving and assisting their loved one with Activities of Daily Living. Emily will discuss transfer training, use of medical equipment, functional care in the home vs. community, medication management, safety precautions and emotional support. This lecture is geared toward those caring for a friend or loved one who is struggling with age-related cognitive or medical issues.

Garnica previously worked as an Occupational Therapist for Lompoc Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation and also worked in acute rehab at Kindred Healthcare and at Arroyo Grande Community Hospital.

Emily earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo and her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Dominican University of California.

The lectures are free and there is ample parking. The Foundation’s Community Education Committee offers free lectures throughout the year. On March 6, Dr. Angie Song will speak about “Seasonal Allergies: Treatment and Prevention.” Dr. Angie Song is an otolaryngologist and facial plastic surgeon at Lompoc Health – North H Center. Her lecture will also begin at 6 p.m.