CAMARILLO, CA - Camarillo Hospice, a volunteer hospice and grief counseling center, will host an educational luncheon on Thursday, October 23, 2014, at The Wedgewood at Sterling Hills, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Titled “Hard to Swallow,” the program will feature Karen Simon, M.D., and Chaplain David Knapp discussing the perils and pitfalls of various treatments for the late stage dementia patient.

“This program is designed to broaden understanding of treatment choices for physical changes that occur as a result of dementia,” comments Dr. Simon. “Without being too technical or medical in nature, we will provide basic information designed to help the individual make sound treatment decisions for loved ones with a dementia diagnosis.”

Dr. Simon, who is a graduate of The Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. She completed her Residency at Cedars Sinai Medical Center and a Fellowship at UCLA Medical Center. Currently she is a member of Ventura County Gastroenterology, with offices in Camarillo and Oxnard.

Chaplain Knapp is Chaplain Supervisor for the Dignity Health St. John’s Hospitals in Camarillo and Oxnard and AlmaVia of Camarillo.

The cost of the luncheon is $20 per person, and reservations are required. Reservations may be made by phone to 805-389-6870 x 10 or email to info@camarillohospice.org.

Founded in 1978, Camarillo Hospice is a volunteer hospice and grief counseling center dedicated to the dignity of life by providing care, comfort, support and counseling to individuals and families facing a life-limiting illness and/or grieving the loss of a loved one, and education on end-of-life issues to the community at large. All services and programs are free of charge. Annually, Camarillo Hospice assists more than 4,000 individuals plus another 4,000+ via telephone assistance, referral and presentations. For more information, please call 389-6870 or log onto www.camarillohospice.org.