Adult Well-Being Services Offers Valuable Resources For Caregivers

Main Category: Caregivers / Homecare
Also Included In: Seniors / Aging;  Conferences
Article Date: 15 Apr 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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Adult Well-Being Services will host four conferences in Detroit and western Wayne County this spring to provide vital information and critical support to persons caring for older adults.

The caregiving conferences will provide caregivers with information on issues ranging from legal and financial concerns to home health care, prescription assistance and long term care. They will also offer information on respite care, adult day care and support groups to help ease the emotional strain on family members and individuals providing care for seniors who require it.

"Caregivers often neglect their own care and that is why these conferences are so important," said Christine Goldberg, Caregiver Support Staff of Adult Well-Being Services. "The stress of caring for persons with dementia has been shown to impact a person's immune system for up to three years after their care giving ends, increasing the chances of developing a chronic illness themselves."

It is estimated that more than 50 million people in the United States are caring for an aged family member or friend with a chronic illness or disability. Caregiver's ages range from their 30s to their late 80s and are typically unpaid. According to the National Alliance for Caregivers and American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) these caregivers are ill prepared for their role and receive little or no support.

Oakwood Hospital Community Health will provide health screenings at all four conferences, with free blood pressure screenings and glucose and cholesterol tests. There will be experts available to talk about Alzheimer's and related dementias, nutrition for older adults and caregiver stress. There will also be representatives from the Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program to assist with Medicare/Medicaid benefits. Department of Michigan Veterans of Foreign Wars will speak on veteran's benefits.

The Caregiving Conferences are being sponsored by Adult Well-Being Services, American House Senior Living Residences and Heritage Newspapers and funded in part by The Senior Alliance and Detroit Area Agency on Aging. Parking is free and participants will be treated to refreshments, door prizes and massages. Registration for the conferences will take place on-site.

The dates and locations are as follows:

Saturday, April 18

9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

St. Thomas Aquinas

5780 Evergreen, Detroit

Wednesday, April 22

5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Redford Community Center

12121 Hemingway, Redford

Saturday, April 25

9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wayne County Community College District

21000 Northline Road, Taylor

Monday, May 4

5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Summit on the Park

46000 Summit Parkway, Canton

These conferences are being presented by Adult Well-Being Services, CSSWC/Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, Neighborhood Legal Services-Elder Law & Advocacy Center, Redford Township, The Information Center, The Senior Alliance, Wayne-Metropolitan Community Action Agency and Wayne County Senior Citizens Services.

Adult Well-Being Services (AWBS)

Adult Well-Being Services promotes health, well-being and independence of adults through advocacy, services, family and community support. The developmental disability services include family support groups, skill building services, respite, supported employment and supports coordination. Mental health services include case management, guardianship, outpatient counseling, skill building services, psychiatric services, substance abuse treatment and assertive community treatment. Aging services include services and activities at Butzel Senior Center, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Services, Community Information and Referral, Health Promotion and Substance Abuse Prevention, Caregivers Education and Support Program, Outreach Support Services and Respite.

AWBS has been providing services to the greater Detroit area for over 55 years. Founded in 1953 by the Junior League of Detroit, AWBS began as a senior center on the east side of Detroit, providing a place for seniors to socialize and use their time constructively. Today, it operates out of seven locations throughout Wayne County and provides outreach services in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Services are provided by a highly qualified, credentialed staff. Most importantly, AWBS professionals approach their responsibilities with enthusiasm and compassion and are committed to providing caring and kind services to those in need.

Source: Adult Well-Being Services