Delaware Caregiver Expo 2005 was a Huge Success!

November was National Family Caregiving Month.  Here in Delaware, more than 130,000 family members care for loved ones.  Many need help, advice, services and time for themselves, but so often those needs are neglected. 

On November 7, 2005, CARE Delaware took a step toward changing that as we celebrated our state’s family caregivers through The Delaware Caregiver Expo 2005: Taking Charge.  A Day of Learning,  Sharing & Support.” 

Held at the Dover Sheraton Hotel, the event was designed to thank, support, educate and advocate on behalf of caregivers throughout our state, while providing them with one-stop access to the support and services they need.  The event was sponsored by Delaware Health and Social Services/Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DHSS/DSAAPD) in partnership with Christiana Care Health System, Bayhealth Medical Center, and AARP Delaware.

Learning and Support

Our first-of-its-kind Expo was a huge success, with an estimated 400+ attendees enjoying a full day of learning, sharing, support and pampering.  Workshops, round table discussions and more than 50 exhibitors offered insights and information on health and wellness, skills training, access to care, assisted living, home care options, financial, legal, and insurance issues.  Health screenings were also provided.

Attendees listened to words of inspiration and support from two well-known speakers:  Dr. Nancy Snyderman, vice president of Consumer Education for Johnson & Johnson, and a former ABC News Medical Correspondent; and CBS television News Anchor Larry Mendte.   Both speakers received rave reviews, with attendees commenting that Dr. Snyderman was “right on target with addressing caregiver’s concerns” and that Larry Mendte’s words  “touched my heart.”

Fun and Relaxation

The Expo was also a day of fun and relaxation as attendees enjoyed an opportunity to unwind with massages, reflexology treatments and manicures.  Cooking demonstrations added a light note as attendees learned quick, healthy and delicious recipes that can easily be prepared at home.  For those made hungry by the demonstrations, a wealth of free food was offered, including lunch, hor d’oeuvres, dinner and dessert, described as “unbelievably ample and delicious.”

To assure the ultimate stress-free experience, bus transportation from New Castle and Sussex Counties was provided to attendees.  Through respite care accommodations, attendees were also offered the assistance of an on-site caregiver to watch over their loved ones during the Expo.  This enabled attendees to enjoy the day, free from worries about leaving their loved ones home or finding someone to look after them while they attended the Expo.

Recognition and Appreciation

From beginning to end, the Expo was a day of recognition and appreciation for those who care for a friend or loved one while also taking care of themselves.  During the opening ceremonies, three special caregivers were honored with the “Family Caregiver of the Year,” award, presented by CARE Delaware. Now in its second year, the 2005 awards were presented to caregivers Jennie Henry, Susan Gaynor, and Richard Massey. 

After the event, a survey of attendees generated overwhelmingly positive comments, including “a truly wonderful experience”; “Bravo! Do it again”; “informative and nurturing”; and “enjoyed the Expo from start to finish!”

A Success to be Continued

According to Mona Grier, administrator of CARE Delaware, “Caregivers juggle busy lives, and the responsibilities of caregiving can have a significant impact on health. It is essential that caregivers find time to take care of themselves.”   Grier added that the goal of the Expo was “… to provide caregivers with the tools needed to find a healthy balance between caregiving and their personal and professional lives.”

The success of the first Delaware Caregiver Expo has demonstrated the overwhelming interest in and need for an annual caregiver event.  Based on the positive feedback from attendees and the changing needs and concerns of family caregivers, DSAAPD is already planning for the 2006 Delaware Caregiver Expo.

The next Caregiver Expo will be held on November 2, 2006, at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington.  Our goal will be to provide caregivers with the tools they need to achieve balance in their busy lives as they juggle the many responsibilities of providing care.

If you are a caregiver caring for a friend or family member, we invite you to mark your calendar for the next Delaware Caregiver Expo and join us for a day celebrating you!

Expo Photos

Please visit the Delaware Caregiver Expo 2005 Photo Page to view some of the day's highlights.