Support for Family Caregivers at Michigan S Caregiver Expo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Sallie Justice. AAA 1-B
(248) 262-9947;

Jenny Jarvis, AAA 1-B

(248) 262-9202;

Support for Family Caregivers at Michigan’s Caregiver Expo

Saturday, October 18, 2014
Area Agency on Aging 1-B hosts free event in Sterling Heights

for people caring for aging and disabled family members

Southfield, Mich. (August 28, 2014) – Taking care of a loved one at home is not easy. A recent national study* indicates that while family caregivers believe 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) will host Michigan’s premier educational event for family caregivers on Saturday, October 18, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Best Western Sterling Inn (34911 Van Dyke Ave.) in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The 15th Annual Solutions for Family Caregiver Expo is free and provides support and access to information, resources and services for people who care for elderly or disabled adult family members or friends.

This year’s Expo features 12 expert presentations on new and popular topics. More than 90 exhibitors will be on site displaying and demonstrating products and services for caregivers. The AAA 1-B’s Resource Specialists and trained Medicare and Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) volunteers will be available all day at the “Ask The Resource Specialist” booth answering questions on Medicare, Medicaid, transportation options, in home services, and providing access to local resources.

“Family caregivers are faced with mental, physical and financial stress, as they balance caring for an aging or disabled family member,” said Tina Abbate Marzolf, chief executive officer, AAA 1-B. “Staying connected and utilizing resources is essential to caregiver health, wellbeing and survival. The annual Caregiver Expo provides that connection to help empower caregivers, reduce their stress and improve their outlook and quality of life.”

Respite Care Provided On-Site

Caregivers who cannot leave the person they care for at home alone to attend the Caregiver Expo are encouraged to register their loved one in “Respite Care at the Expo,” a free service provided onsite at the Sterling Inn during the event. Caregivers can leave their loved one in the caring hands of qualified professionals, where they will enjoy refreshments and participate in engaging activities such as singing, games, crafts, and social interaction.

Due to limited space, reservations for “Respite Care at the Expo” must be made by October 10, 2014. 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.

Guests of the Caregiver Expo will enjoy morning refreshments. Snacks will be available in the afternoon on a cash and carry basis. Caregivers will also have the chance to win door prizes and giveaways. Parking and admission are free.

The Caregiver Expo is sponsored by: 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.

Refreshments are sponsored by Jim Schuster, Certified Elder Law Attorney; SMART; Trinity Senior Living Communities: and Waltonwood Senior Living. Respite Care at the Expo is sponsored by Amada Senior Care, Hospice of Michigan, Personal Touch Home Health Care Services, Inc., and Visiting Angels.

For more information on the Area Agency on Aging 1-B or the free 2013 Solutions for Family Caregivers Expo, visit www.michigancaregiverexpo.com or call 1-800-852-7795.

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 540,000 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.

*“When Care Comes Home" survey[1] conducted by Clorox® CareConcepts™ and the Caregiver Action Network (CAN).

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Editor’s Note:

The free 2014 Solutions for Family Caregivers Expo is open to the media. If you would like to arrange an interview with a presenter, sponsors, exhibitor or a representative from AAA 1-B regarding the expo, please contact Sallie Justice at (248) 262-9947.

For more information about the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, please visit: http://www.aaa1b.com

For more details about the Solutions for Family Caregivers Expo: http://www.michigancaregiverexpo.com