Magnolia Harbor Carefarm, in collaboration with Social Worker Laura Clabo of The Cole Center for Parkinson’s Movement Disorders, developed and delivers a unique therapeutic retreat for care partners of those with Parkinson’s disease and Parkinson's-like conditions.
Ambiguous losses faced by care partners of a person with degenerative neurological conditions can make the caregiving experience even harder. Ambiguous loss is a loss that remains unclear and without official verification of a physical death or immediate resolution. There is grief in this ambiguity, and yet, because no physical death has yet occurred, the expression of this grief is often criticized as premature. Ambiguous loss of this nature then leads to a disenfranchised grief because others do not see the loss as credible and worthy of traditional conceptualizations of grief.
Deepening one’s understanding of the paradox contained in the simultaneous presence and absence of a loved one can build resilience and reduce the toll of caregiving. What makes this retreat unique is the ability for the person giving care to connect with fellow care partners also navigating the complex nuances of ambiguous loss while continuing to provide care to a loved one.
This uniquely focused retreat holds deeply intentional space for:
The sacred space of Magnolia Harbor Carefarm creates a safe space filled with compassion, connection, and community alongside a special therapeutic support team: fellow bereaved humans that are also therapists, rescue animals who have their own story of grief and trauma, and the regulating space of the Carefarm property.
Retreat Activities:
Ambiguous losses faced by care partners of a person with degenerative neurological conditions can make the caregiving experience even harder. Ambiguous loss is a loss that remains unclear and without official verification of a physical death or immediate resolution. There is grief in this ambiguity, and yet, because no physical death has yet occurred, the expression of this grief is often criticized as premature. Ambiguous loss of this nature then leads to a disenfranchised grief because others do not see the loss as credible and worthy of traditional conceptualizations of grief.
Deepening one’s understanding of the paradox contained in the simultaneous presence and absence of a loved one can build resilience and reduce the toll of caregiving. What makes this retreat unique is the ability for the person giving care to connect with fellow care partners also navigating the complex nuances of ambiguous loss while continuing to provide care to a loved one.
This uniquely focused retreat holds deeply intentional space for:
- The person providing care for a loved one with a degenerative neurological condition
- The ambiguous loss of life dreams and plans for the future
- The loss of the relationship with the loved one
- Feelings of grief surrounding shifting abilities and evolving roles
- The secondary social losses experienced by care partners
The sacred space of Magnolia Harbor Carefarm creates a safe space filled with compassion, connection, and community alongside a special therapeutic support team: fellow bereaved humans that are also therapists, rescue animals who have their own story of grief and trauma, and the regulating space of the Carefarm property.
Retreat Activities:
- Creative and expressive arts
- Animal-Assisted Intervention
- Nature-Based activities
- Guided mindfulness activities
- Individual and Group Therapeutic Time
It is important to note that the structure of this retreat takes into consideration the unique challenges faced by those providing care and support for their loved ones living with neurodegenerative conditions. The retreat takes place on three different Fridays over three consecutive months.
To help manage the ongoing challenges and ambiguous grief related to daily caregiving, care partners who complete the retreat are welcomed into a continuing monthly support group designed to maintain this therapeutic community.
Parkinson's Care Partners Therapeutic Retreat
