With an increase in the aging population, more family members are becoming caregivers for their parents and older relatives who need a little help. Being a caregiver can be rewarding and overwhelming, and not many caregivers know of the resources available to help them provide long-term care for their loved ones.
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In response, the Area Agency on Aging 1-B is hosting its free ninth annual Solutions for Family Caregivers Expo, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 18 at the Sterling Inn Banquet and Conference Center, located on Van Dyke south of 15 Mile Road in Sterling Heights.
“In our history of working with older adults and persons with disabilities, while working with them we realize we’re also serving the family,” AAA 1-B Communication Manager Sallie Justice said. “Most often we have the family, a daughter or son, providing the main care. You see caregivers who are under a tremendous amount of stress.”
Adrienne Chamberlain is the program director at A Friend’s House Adult Day Health Center, sponsored by Catholic Social Services of Macomb, an adult daycare-type program that allows family caregivers options in handling their responsibilities. Some of the programs include adult day health services, in-home respite care, out-of-home respite care and volunteer respite programs.
At the Caregivers Expo, Chamberlain will present an overview of the services and offer details about locations, hours, costs - which are based on a sliding pay scale - and benefits for each.
“The Caregiver Expo is a great resource for (caregivers) to find out what’s out there,” Chamberlain said. “Most people don’t know what’s out there - most people don’t realize the services there are. Adult day-care is probably the best unknown service because both the caregiver and family member benefit from the service.”
More than 90 exhibitors will present information and resources on topics including managing caregiver stress, family communication, accessing services, legal tips for caregivers, housing options, Alzheimer’s disease, understanding Medicaid, in-home safety and more.
The keynote presentation will be given by Suzanne Geffen Mintz, president and co-founder of the National Family Caregivers Association. She will speak about “Powerful Communication for Family Caregivers: Advice on Speaking Up for Yourself and the One You Care For.”
To contact the AAA 1-B Macomb County office, call 226-0309. To contact adult day service providers, call Catholic Services of Macomb’s A Friend’s House Adult Day Center at 412-8494 or the Macomb County Department of Senior Citizen Services at 469-6313.
