People who provide care to family members or loved ones with chronic conditions like dementia can face relentless challenges, running the gamut from finances to time management.
On Thursday, Nov. 13, the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments, in partnership with Dementia Alliance, will offer resources and services to caregivers that may prove useful in overcoming some of the challenges that go along with caring for family members with long-term health issues.
The conference is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will be held at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center, according to Michael Patterson, KTCOG family caregiver specialist. Registration is $10 for family caregivers and $25 for professional caregivers.
Professional caregivers can receive 1.5 continuing education credit. Register at www.dementianc.org/2025henderson. Patterson said walk-up registrations also will be taken the day of the conference.
“This is a great opportunity for our caregivers to receive resources, services and skills they need to support their caregiver journey,” Patterson said on Monday’s TownTalk.
The guest speakers include Michael Lewis, chief behavioral officer and senior financial advisor at Family Legacy Financial Solution, Dr. Delon Canterbury, a pharmacist consultant at GeriatRx, Inc. and Lisa Levine, executive director at Dementia Alliance.
Patterson said the half-day conference will give participants a chance to hear from experts that he said may be outside the traditional box of resources as they gain knowledge and make connections with local resources and services.
A caregiver’s main concern is on the safety, health and well-being of the care recipient, Patterson acknowledged, but finding support for that care provider is also very important, according to feedback he’s gotten as he networks throughout the KTCOG service area.
“Finances is a big challenge for our family caregivers,” Patterson said, so the session on financial resources is an important topic. The majority of those caregivers are providing that care for free – and it’s something that they may choose to do for their loved ones, but it can have an impact, he said, affecting personal and work lives.
Canterbury’s session will focus on how to be an advocate for loved ones when it comes to medications they are taking. The concept of “de-prescribing” focuses on reviewing medicines, understanding particular side effects and making sure a patient isn’t being over-prescribed.
The final session of the conference will turn to a lighter side of caregiving, highlighting the importance of self-care with a segment called Laughter Yoga.
Caregiving can be an emotional journey, Patterson said, and caregivers must balance, as best they can, caring for their loved one as they care for themselves.
It’s important to “bring joy to yourself and to those around you,” he said.
Once a family member has gotten a diagnosis of dementia or other long-term health condition, it’s also important to be proactive in setting up a process for care.
“The longer you wait, the more stressful it can be to try to find resources,” Patterson said.
To learn more, contact Patterson at 252.436.2040 ext. 6072 or by email at mpatterson@kerrtarcog.org
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(Original post just above made Oct. 27, 2025)
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Who: Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments
What: Kerr-Tar Family Caregiver Conference
When: Thursday, November 13 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Where: Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center
Additional Details: Dementia Alliance of NC. Hear from Director of Dementia Alliance, Lisa Levine, and from Pharmacist Consultant, Dr. DeLon Canterbury. Learn practical skills for engaging and supporting those living with dementia, and how to care for yourself in the process. A Family Caregiver Ticket is $10 – For those caring for someone living with dementia, neighbors, friends, students, clergy and anyone else who would like to attend. Limited scholarships available. Professional Caregiver Tickets are $25. Breakfast and refreshments will be provided. To learn more about how to sign up, please reach out to Michael Patterson at (252) 436-2040 ext. 6072 or email mpatteron@kerrtarcog.org.
(Original post just above made Oct. 23, 2025)
