Interfaith's Senior Services Department sponsored a Caregivers' Conferences in the spring of 2009. This is a model way of providing support to caregivers and the senior community. Last fall's conference was canceled due to the untimely appearance of Hurricane Ike which cut off electricity to much of the Houston area.
Topics Covered in Caregiver Conference
As usual in conferences, choices had to be made about which workshop to attend for the morning and afternoon sessions. The presentations were quite inclusive:
- Financial Issues, including Social Security and Disability information, and Veterans benefits
- Legal Matters of probate, will, estate and property basics
- Memory and Aging
- Hospice and Long Term Care
- Caregiver Adjustments
- Dementia and Alzheimer's
- Cost Effective Resources for Seniors and Caregivers
- Planning for the Future for Seniors
Information Presented on Caregiver Resources
In addition to extensive information presented, direct counsel was provided regarding supporting agencies like Interfaith's services for families and seniors. Area Agency on Aging packets and presentation contained information on dental, hearing, and vision assistance – a matter which often simply will not fit into the fixed budgets of many of the conference participants. Applications for the Hear Now Program as well as for Dentex plans were available.
Some attendees noted that this information might take several months to locate using traditional sources, even including internet. Details about requirements of age, income, residency, and other factors were in handouts with specific email or website addresses and phone numbers or addresses of associated agencies.
Support group information as well as actual referral lines to a number of local service providers was made available. Specifics on senior discounts and other senior activities like The Friendship Center with weekday programs including lunch and transportation options. Wellness activities and lifelong learning choices were covered.
Interfaith Programs Clarified in Caregiver Workshop
Programs run by the local Woodlands Interfaith were specified as Crisis Assistance, a Food Pantry, resale shop, and several senior care programs. These provide information about benefits, transportation, friendly caller program, networking meetings and a holiday gift program. All of these programs rely heavily on willing volunteers.
Seniors were invited to participate in workshops, exercise classes, music programs, day trips, senior aerobics, senior community games, and even Sages and Scribes where youth and seniors are paired for an interactive life review. Many community-based resources were discussed to allow for the choice of aging in place.
Random Acts of Cleaning Event Announced
Announcement was made about an upcoming National Charity League's District Philanthropy Day called Random Acts of Cleaning later in the spring. It will involve senior residents who register from about a dozen zip codes in the area who could use help in catching up on spring cleaning. This is presented as a partnership of Interfaith and the National Charity League.
Exhibitors at Caregivers' Conference
What conference would be complete without exhibitors? Not only did the tables fascinate with posters and token gifts, but they also gave out vital information for people shopping for services, answering questions galore as inquisitive conference-goers stopped by for details and clarification on their particular situations. Complimentary respite care, provided by an exhibitor Homewatch Caregivers, allowed some caregivers to attend who otherwise wouldn't have been able to be free for the workshop.
The Spring 2009 Caregivers' Conference presented by Interfaith of The Woodlands and Interfaith Care Partners offered information on caregiver resources, interfaith and other community programs. National Charity League announced its Random Acts of Cleaning Event and a wide variety of exhibitors explained their wares and services. Many topics were covered in depth and participants went away with arms full of much-needed information. These may provide a positive model for other communities.
Sources:
Brochure from Interfaith of the Woodlands entitled Unraveling the Mystery of Caregiving and many handouts received from writer's attendance at the conference. Further helpful information can be found at American Society on Aging.
Hildra Tague - Mrs. Hildra Tague is a freelance writer, consultant, and teacher dedicated to issues of education and parenting. This all started when she ...
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