Celebrating National Caregivers Month in Cape

"Together We Care Conference" will take place on November 8, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. in Cape Girardeau. The SADI Independent Living Services Building at 755 S. Kingshighway will be the site of the free event in celebration of National Family Caregivers Month.

An eclectic menu of educational sessions will be offered in addition to a complimentary morning snack and luncheon. Registration and information exhibits will be available to participants beginning at 8:30 a.m. Educational sessions begin at 9 a.m. and kick-off with a presentation on Modern Caregiving delivered by R. Diane Hall, AARP Missouri associate state director for Outreach.

Matthew Rigdon, Public Policy Advocate for SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence, will present information about healthcare exchanges. Additional topics will cover estate and financial planning, choosing a long-term facility, and stress in caregiving.

"This is a great way to celebrate National Caregivers Month and to provide support and resources to caregivers," said Ilena Aslin, AARP Missouri volunteer Executive Council member. "With the holidays approaching, November and December offer families both more face time and more stress. We want to remind families to check on older family members and offer support and care for the caregivers in their lives."

There are more than 67 million family caregivers in the U.S. With the 65+ age group expected to double to 70 million people by 2030, family caregivers increasingly provide care for aging parents, siblings, spouses and friends.

Sponsors of the conference are: AARP Missouri, Aging Matters, Auburn Creek Assisted Living & The Cottages at Capetown, John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, Lutheran Family and Child Services, SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence, and Tri-County/Pyramid Group. Kathy Bullis, Aging Matters, chaired the planning committee.

To register for this free event, call either 573.335.3331, or toll free 1.800.392.8771. All are welcome to attend!