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AAA 1-B Hosts Caregiver Expo
September 10, 2010 by Contributor
Filed under Healthy Happenings
Southfield, MI – At least one in every four families in the United States is caring for an older relative and more than one million caregivers across Michigan devote 10 million hours to caregiving for a loved one each year. Caregiving can be overwhelming and exhausting and continues to grow every day as our population ages – but help is available.
The Area Agency on Aging 1-B (AAA 1-B) is hosting its 11th Annual Solutions for Family Caregiver Expo on Saturday, October 16, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Best Western Sterling Inn Banquet and Conference Center (34911 Van Dyke Avenue at 15 Mile Road) in Sterling Heights. This free event provides information and resources to people who care for elderly or disabled family members or friends.
This year’s Expo program includes 12 expert presentations on topics such as managing caregiver stress, ensuring health, fitness and home safety for elders, legal tips for caregivers, responding to the special needs of senior patients, end of life decisions, Veteran’s benefits, the impact of national health reform on Medicare, what you need to know about Alzheimer’s Disease, understanding Medicare and Medicaid, and much more.
More than 85 exhibitors will be on hand to provide information on products and services for caregivers. The event is sponsored by Generations Home Care Group, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Henry Ford Health System, American House, Guardian Medical Monitoring, Home Instead Senior Care, Oakwood Home Care Services, Presbyterian Villages of Michigan, Quality Home Health Care Services of Michigan, Sunrise Senior Living, Trinity Senior Living Communities, and Visiting Physicians Association. Media sponsors are the Macomb Daily and the Senior Living News.
“Caregivers often find themselves facing enormous responsibilities and are not aware of the services available to assist them or where to turn for help,” said Tina Abbate Marzolf, chief executive officer, AAA 1-B. “The Solutions for Family Caregiver Expo provides access to experts, information, and resources under one roof, and the opportunity for caregivers to give and receive support from other caregivers.”
Caring for someone with a chronic disease, dementia or a physical disability can be rewarding, as well as stressful and overwhelming for the caregiver and their family members. Duties often include preparing meals, arranging and driving to doctor appointments, housekeeping, doing laundry, helping with bathing and personal care, managing finances, assisting with legal planning and insuring that prescription medications are filled and taken appropriately. All caregivers – from those who provide minimal support to those who are heavily invested in time, money and energy – will benefit from attending the free 2010 Solutions for Family Caregivers Expo.
Parking is free and morning refreshments will be provided courtesy of Jim Schuster, Certified Elder Law Attorney; and Mall Malisow & Cooney, P.C. Snacks will be available in the afternoon on a cash and carry basis.
Respite Care Provided On-Site
For caregivers who think attending a special event is out of the question because they cannot leave their loved one, AAA 1-B is offering on-site “Respite Care at the Expo.” While caregivers are obtaining valuable information, free professional care, along with refreshments and interactive activities like singing, games, crafts, and social interaction will be provided by the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Michigan Chapter and Macomb County Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers. Respite Care is sponsored by Comfort Keepers, Hospice of Michigan, and Mt. Elliott Cemetery Association.
Due to limited space, reservations for “Respite Care at the Expo” must be made by October 8, 2010. Respite care is strictly for adults. For more information or to make a reservation, caregivers can visit www.aaa1b.com or contact the AAA 1-B at 1-800-852-7795.
“We understand that caregivers have a difficult time leaving their loved ones in the care of a stranger and in an unfamiliar setting,” Abbate Marzolf said. “Respite Care at the Expo means caregivers can check in on loved ones while they are learning about the resources available to them.”
About the Area Agency on Aging 1-B
The Area Agency on Aging 1-B is a nonprofit agency responsible for services to more than 500,000 persons age 60 and older residing in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties. Through the provision of home care and community-based services, older adults are provided with options that can help maintain their health and independence in their homes and communities.
The national Older Americans Act created a network of local Area Agencies on Aging across the United States to provide supportive services that enable older adults to live with independence and dignity in a setting of their choice. The AAA 1-B, established in 1974, is a part of the national Area Agency on Aging network.
For more information on the Area Agency on Aging 1-B or the free 2010 Solutions for Family Caregivers Expo, visit www.michigancaregiverexpo.com or call 1-800-852-7795.
