Many informal caregivers are on call 24/7 while juggling job and family responsibilities. They know that their work is often demanding and stressful, yet are unaware of the community resources available to help them be more effective. The COASEV has partnered with Springfield Area Adult Day Service, the VNA & Hospice of VT/NH, the Chronic Care Information Network, Consultants for Patient Empowerment, and Green Mountain RSVP to form the Springfield Caregiver Support Collaborative.
By pooling their resources, the Collaborative has pulled together speakers, workshops and experts in the field for this free half-day conference at the Nolin Murray Center in Springfield. There will be a keynote speaker, helpful workshops, networking luncheon, free massages and door prizes.
Conference attendees will have the opportunity to hear keynote speaker Dr. Robert Santulli, Director of the Dartmouth Memory Clinic. As a specialist in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia behavioral disorders, Santulli will share information about cutting edge research and treatment related to these diseases that currently affect over 5 million Americans. About 70% of them live at home and are cared for by spouses, sons and daughters.
Special workshops are on tap as well. A speaker from the Vermont Ethics Network will discuss Advance Directives, and a representative from the Vermont Assistive Technology Program will demonstrate assistive devices and equipment that help make caregiving easier and safer. Safe Steps, a fall-prevention program, will provide critical information about home safety and personal balance.
COASEV staff are excited about this first-time event. “Our collaborative all worked together to set up this day of practical education, a bit of needed rest, and the chance for caregivers to get one-on-one help with their questions,” says Jenny Gelfan, Successful Aging Coordinator for the Council. “We hope this half-day conference can give each person who comes a needed boost, helping them to stay healthy.”
Gelfan says that at the gathering there will be information available about many top-list caregiver concerns, including support groups, respite, Medicare Part D, adult day care, financial and legal assistance, and nutrition. The conference agenda begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 1:00, with lunch at 11:45 and ongoing activities throughout (art table, mini-massages and information tables).
Because some caregivers may be held back by transportation and day care issues, there will be free adult day care and free transportation provided for those who require the service. Although the conference is free, COASEV needs people to register in advance. Registration is as easy as a phone call or email away. To ensure that you get a spot for what will be an enriching and supportive day, contact Gelfan at the COASEV (see “Resources” below).
While the “Being an Effective Caregiver” conference is a half- day event, the full-size program is designed to inform, support, educate and entertain attendees. Don’t miss ths local opportunity to learn from professionals in the fields of aging and caregiving. Save September 15 on your calendar because this important conference will benefit both you and the loved one you care for.
RESOURCES
- Jenny Gelfan at the Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont(COASEV). 802-885-2655 or jgelfan@COASEV.org
- Senior Help-Line (1-800-642-5119) for information on other issues related to seniors and area programs.
