Many people find themselves in the position of providing care for a family member who’s aging or who’s been diagnosed with a chronic health condition like dementia or Alzheimer’s. It may not have been something they’d planned for, but they’re doing their best.
“Caregiving is a tough journey,” said Michael Patterson, family caregiver specialist with Kerr-Tar Council of Governments. “It’s not something that everyone necessarily signs up for…it’s a duty that takes a lot of emotions.”
The 4th annual Family Caregiver Conference, which will be held on Thursday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Vance-Granville Civic Center auditorium, is a perfect opportunity for individuals to come and learn more about this business of providing care to loved one that, at times, can be physically and emotionally demanding.
The doors open at 9 a.m. and participants will get a swag bag of goodies, as well as breakfast and refreshments, Patterson said.
Registration is $10 for family caregivers; $25 for professional caregivers, who also can receive up to 1.5 continuing education credits for attending.
Register online at www.kerrtarcog.org or visit any of the senior centers in the five-county KTCOG service area (Vance, Granville, Warren, Franklin and Person counties) and sign up there, Patterson said. Phone him at 252.436.2040 x6072 or email him at mpatterson@kerrtarcog.org
This year’s speakers include a Duke University researcher who will discuss the importance of oral health care for people with disabilities, a husband and wife team – both health professionals – who will talk about their book and tell their story about caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s and the founder of an organization that focuses on the over-prescription of medications and the importance of having regular medication reviews.
There’s a lot of responsibility that goes along with providing care for a loved one, Patterson said.
“There’s no manual or instruction booklet,” he continued. And caregiving looks different for every individual because every individual has their own story and own journey.
He wants caregivers to give themselves the grace to know one thing: “You’re already doing your absolute best and that should be enough…the simple fact that the caregiver has taken their intentional time to care for a loved one is commendable and they need to be appreciated for that.”
CLICK PLAY!