Family Caregivers Invited to Network, Share Concerns
By Michelle Marseilles
Manager, Caregivers Program
Baltimore County Department of Aging
Baltimore County Department of Aging's annual Caregivers Conference, sponsored by Care First BlueCross BlueShield and Morningside House, will be held on Saturday, November 8. This free day-long event will be held at the Bykota Senior Center, 611 Central Ave. in Towson. Doors open at 9 a.m.
The intended audience for this educational event is the dedicated group of family caregivers providing unpaid care for their loved ones living independently in the community. Professionals in the field of aging are welcome. The seminars, events and details of the day are geared directly toward family members. The agenda this year is chock full of helpful seminars and resources for those caring for elderly relatives.
Keynote Speaker to Discuss Memory Loss
The day begins with registration and breakfast a la carte available for purchase, with proceeds to benefit the Bykota Senior Center Council. A wide variety of service providers and vendors will be available with information booths throughout the day.
The keynote address will be given by Dr. Constantine Lyketsos, an active clinician, teacher and researcher. He is the Elizabeth Plank Althouse Professor in Alzheimer's disease research, vice chair of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University, and chair of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. He also directs the Johns Hopkins Memory and Alzheimer's Treatment Center. Lyketsos will speak on memory loss and depression in the elderly.
Seminar Tracks Include Spouses, Other Loved Ones
The Caregivers Conference will feature two seminar tracks to choose for the break-out sessions. The audience will be divided into two groups: those caring for a spouse/significant other and those caring for a parent/in-law or other older loved one. The speakers will tailor their presentation to the needs and concerns of the respective audience.
Break-out sessions will be offered in the morning and in the afternoon. Seminar topics will include:
- Legal Issues - Jason Frank Esq. of Frank, Frank & Scherr LLC
- Dealing with Difficult Behaviors - Kim Burton of the Mental Health Association of Maryland
- Challenges and Success Stories - Mary Faith Ferretto of Ferretto Eldercare Consulting Inc.
- Navigating the Internet for Trustworthy Health Information - Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center Harrison Medical Library staff
During the lunch break, computer stations will be designated for Medicare Prescription Drug Program assistance with trained Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) staff. Appointments can be made at the registration desk. With open enrollment beginning November 15, this will be an excellent opportunity to research your loved one's Medicare Part D options. Bring a list of medications and doses with you for best service.
Flu Shots, Respite Care Available
Pending availability, flu shots will be offered by the Baltimore County Department of Health during the lunch break. Please bring your Medicare card if applicable. There will be a $30 charge for flu shots, payable on the day of the event.
Free respite care for your loved one while you attend the conference will be available at Active Day Medical Adult Day Care Center in Timonium. Pre-registration for respite care is required. Limited transportation will be offered to and from Bykota Senior Center from the Active Day Center. For more details about respite care and to pre-register, call 410-887-2594.
There are two ways to register as an attendee for the Saturday, November 8 Caregivers Conference:
- Visit the Caregivers Program webpage to complete online registration
- Call Baltimore County Senior Information and Assistance at 410-887-2594
Revised December 9, 2008
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