On June 12, 2014, the County of San Diego’s Aging & Independence Services hosted the 2014 Aging Summit, which focused on creating a safe and caring community. This day-long event explored the importance of safety measures for individuals and addressed the concerns and challenges facing family caregivers in an aging population. Keynote speakers included Gail Sheehy, the best-selling author of Passages and Passages for Caregivers, who addressed the challenges facing family caregivers today; Darlene Shiley, philanthropist and former caregiver; and Paul Greenwood, head of the District Attorney’s Elder Abuse Protection Unit. 

In addition to the 1,800 participants who attended the central event at the Town & Country Resort in San Diego, over 500 people participated at the North County satellite site hosted at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido.

Attendees in the North were offered afternoon breakout sessions that included information on End of Life Care, Staying Connected/Engaged, Home Safety and Fall Prevention, Financial Safety, and Caregiver Concerns. In addition, the North County site featured a Wellness Zone offering free diabetes, blood pressure, depression and balance screenings and 10-minute educational talks on computer safety, transportation, disaster preparedness and more.

The North County site was made possible by the advocacy and leadership of the North County Community Action Network (NorCAN), which has been integral in ensuring services and opportunities be made available to North San Diego County residents. NorCAN’s mission is to advocate for and improve the lives of older adults, people with disabilities and their families by working efficiently and collaboratively to enhance the services they receive.

NorCAN truly champions the Live Well San Diego vision and therefore, County Supervisor Dave Roberts recognized the organization as a designated Live Well San Diego partner at the North County Aging Summit.

“Live Well San Diego has been successful because it is built on the premise that the County cannot do it alone," said Supervisor Roberts during his opening remarks at the Summit. "We work with partners across the County of San Diego who have truly helped us bring Live Well San Diego to another level.  As an organization, NorCAN is a model for creating partnerships, collaborating effectively, getting creative and championing access to care, safe communities, and supported individuals. Clearly, NorCAN is working to give everyone the opportunity to live well.”