Area Agency on Aging 1-B (AAA 1-B)
Newsletter Article
Subject: 2014 Solutions for Family Caregiver Expo - October 18, 2014
Title: Free event provides solutions for families caring for an aging or disabled loved one
Byline: Sallie Justice, Communications Manager, Area Agency on Aging 1-B
Word Count: 500
One out of four families in Michigan – more than one million people - are taking care of an aging or disabled loved one. The responsibilities associated with being a caregiver can be like taking on a second job. Caregivers provide meals, transportation, bathe, dress, monitor medications, run errands, attend medical appointments and some provide 24-hour around the clock care for their loved one. While family caregivers report that their role has given them more meaning in their life, a majority often feel alone, exhausted, frustrated and overwhelmed.
The Area Agency on Aging 1-B (AAA 1-B) is hosting the “Solutions for Family Caregiver Expo” - a one day annual event designed to bring together resources, answers, services and experts under one roof to support caregivers. The 2014 Caregiver Expo will be held on Saturday, October 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Sterling Inn Banquet & Conference Center, located at 34911 Van Dyke Ave at 15 Mile Road in Sterling Heights, MI. The event is free and parking is free!
Guests will have the opportunity to attend their choice of 12 new and popular presentations throughout the day on topics, including: managing prescription medications; legal tips; long term care options; keeping the keys; Medicare; Medicaid; VA benefits; dementia; hoarding, managing stress; end of life planning, balancing caregiving and career,and much more. As many as 90 exhibitors will be available to answer questions, distribute materials and provide valuable information about products and services to assist caregivers. Complimentary morning refreshments, sponsored by Jim Schuster, Certified Elder Law Attorney; SMART; Trinity Senior Living Communities; and Waltonwood Senior Living, will be provided.
A special resource area will be available all day for caregivers to visit and speak to a resource specialist for referrals to local services. Medicare Medicaid Assistance Counselors will assist beneficiaries with questions on Medicare and Medicaid.
For caregivers who are concerned about leaving a loved one at home alone while they attend the expo, they can rest assured that professional, complimentary respite care will be available for their loved one all day on-site. Guests can make a reservation in advance to leave their loved one in the care of qualified professionals from the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Michigan Chapter and the Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers. Respite Care at the Expo is sponsored by Amada Senior Care, Hospice of Michigan, Personal Touch Home Health Care Services, Inc., and Visiting Angels. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 800-852-7795.
The 2014 Solutions for Family Caregiver Expo is made possible by these generous sponsors: AAA – The Auto Club Group; HAP Medicare Solutions/HAP Midwest Health Plan; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan; Walgreens; American House; AmeriHealth VIP Care Plus - a program of AmeriHealth Michigan; Christopher J. Berry, Certified Elder Law Attorney; Guardian Medical Monitoring; Presbyterian Villages of Michigan; and Priority Health. Alternatives for Seniors and The Macomb Daily are media sponsors.
For more information about the expo, visit www.michigancaregiverexpo.com; call 800-852-7795; or e-mail at .
8/28/2014;12:44 PM;