Caring for an aging parent or loved one can be difficult and draining—both physically and emotionally. Caregivers often feel “on-call” 24 hours a day and can struggle to balance caring for their family member with other responsibilities, like work, managing their own household or caring for their children. Many also feel at a loss when trying to find resources, programs and information that might help.
To help family caregivers find the help they need, the Area Agency on Aging 1-B (AAA 1-B), a local nonprofit, is hosting its 18th Annual Solutions for Family Caregivers Expo on Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Diamond Center of the Suburban Collection Showplace, located at 46100 Grand River Avenue in Novi.
The event puts all the expertise and resources a caregiver might need—together—in one spot to make it easier for caregivers to find the help they need. This year’s event features:·
Twelve expert presentations on topics that will help family members caring for their older or disabled loved one. (Topics include managing caregiver stress, finding long-term care resources, finding the right Medicare plan, legal tips for caregivers, and caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.)·
A large exhibit hall with over 100 local business and non-profit organizations that have services, programs and products that can help caregivers and older adults·
An “Ask the Expert” area staffed by specially trained experts from the AAA 1-B who can provide on the spot, one-on-one guidance to help attendees hone in on resources. These experts can also provide unbiased assistance with questions on Medicare and Medicaid and also help find transportation options for seniors who are no longer able to drive.·
Free, onsite respite care provided in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association—Greater Michigan Chapter and Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers. This will give caregivers a safe, supervised place for their loved one to stay while they attend the expo. (Advance registration is required for respite care. People can register by calling the AAA 1-B at 800-852-7795.)·
Complimentary morning refreshments·
Chances to win door prizes
Both admission and parking for the event are free and no pre-registration is required. Attendees can register at the door the day of the event.
The Solutions for Family Caregivers Expo is sponsored by: Humana; Oak Street Health; The Elder Care Firm of Christopher J. Berry, Esq.; Health Alliance Plan (HAP); Henry Ford Health System; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan; Personal Touch Home Health Care Services, Inc.; American House Senior Living Communities; Guardian Medical Monitoring; Presbyterian Villages of Michigan; Jim Schuster, Certified Elder Law Attorney, SameAddress, myride2 Travel Training; SMART; Beaumont Health; Visiting Angels; Digital First Oakland Press and Alternatives for Seniors.
For more information on the Area Agency on Aging 1-B’s free 2017 Solutions for Family Caregivers Expo can be found www.michigancaregiverexpo.com or by calling the AAA 1-B at 800-852-7795.
About the Area Agency on Aging 1-B
The Area Agency on Aging 1-B is a nonprofit agency responsible for services to more than 620,000 persons age 60 and older residing in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties. Through the provision of home care and community-based services, older adults are provided with options that can help maintain their health and independence in their homes and communities.