DHSS Press Release |
Date: September 20, 2006 DHSS-82-2006 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
Contact: Sharon Roat Phone: (302) 235-5591 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CAREGIVER EXPO OFFERS DAY OF LEARNING,SHARING AND SUPPORT TO THE 1 IN 4 DELAWAREANS WHO CARE FOR A FAMILY MEMBER AT HOME
WILMINGTON, DE - The 2nd Annual Delaware Caregiver Expo on November 2 will help family caregivers deal with the challenges of caring for loved ones at home, and feel comfort in knowing they are not alone.
In Delaware, 130,000 people - nearly 1 in 4 residents - are serving as caregivers for elderly or disabled relatives. Another 7,200 are caring for their grandchildren. More than half spend an average of 20 hours each week tending to medical needs, nutrition and activities of daily life while also serving as an advocate for their loved ones in communicating with doctors, insurance companies and Medicare.
"Family caregivers provide more than 80 percent of all homecare services. They play a vital role in our communities and in our health care system,"said Mona Grier, administrator for CARE Delaware, a program of the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD).
Last year, more than 400 caregivers gathered in Dover for the 1st Delaware Caregiver Expo. The 2nd annual event will be held in Wilmington at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, from 12 noon - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 2 (registration begins at 11:30 a.m.), and is expected to draw even greater attendance.
The Expo is free and open to the public. It will feature educational seminars, health screenings, exhibits, and product demonstrations, as well as an opportunity to meet other caregivers and share ideas. Attendees will be treated to lunch and dinner buffets, snacks, dessert, coffee and spa treatments. In addition, a new web-based program will be introduced that caregivers can take a video tour of and enroll in.
"The Caregiver Expo is not only a great source of information and support, it's also a day of relaxation and rejuvenation. It's a chance for caregivers to find out about resources that are available, but also to learn how to take care of themselves as they deal with the stress of caregiving," said Grier.
This year's line-up of speakers includes:
- Allan Zaback, DSAAPD Director, who will present the Caregiver of the Year Awards (nominations can be sent by email to dsaapdinfo@state.de.us).
- Larry Mendte, CBS 3 Eyewitness News anchor, who has worked closely with caregivers while spearheading CBS 3's efforts on behalf of The Alzheimer’s Association and other charities.
- Suzanne Mintz, co-founder of the National Family Caregivers Association, speaking on the topic, "It doesn't have to be this hard."
- Sarah Stookey, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist at Holcomb Behavior Health Systems who specializes in mental health services for older adults, addressing "Growing old. What is normal aging anyway?"
- Jack Markell, State Treasurer of Delaware, who will discuss "Financial security tools for caregivers."
- William H. Thomas, M.D., AARP's Visiting Scholar and president of The Center for Growing and Becoming, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that promotes holistic approaches to aging and care for older people. His presentation will address the topic: "Who will care for our caregivers?"
- Frank L. Miller, a nationally –certified school psychologist from Lake Forest School District, to address "Parenting grandchildren."
Who Should Attend? Everyone is welcome to attend. The event is designed for anyone who is currently serving as a caregiver for an elderly or disabled relative, or a grandchild, as well as anyone who anticipates taking on a caregiving role at in the future.
"When you consider that one in four Delawareans are currently serving as caregivers, it is likely that most of us will be providing care to a family member at some point in our lives. The Delaware Caregiver Expo is a wonderful opportunity for caregivers to pamper themselves a bit and seek the help they may need right now, and for others to begin to prepare for the future."
DSAAPD is proud to host the second annual Delaware Caregiver Expo 2006 in partnership with Christiana Care Health Systems, AARP Delaware, and Astra Zeneca. DSAAPD is committed to improving or maintaining the quality of life for elderly Delawareans and adults with physical disabilities. The Delaware Caregiver Expo demonstrates their commitment by enhancing the lives of those they serve, and providing support to the caregivers who give so much of themselves.
For more information, please call (302) 255-9390 or visit at www.dsaapd.com
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
