10:30 AM
"I Can't Take It Anymore!"
Help for the Stressed Family Caregiver
Doctors, drugs, dementia, Depends... juggling the demands of a needy elder taxes even the most devoted family caregivers, who may also have jobs, kids, spouses and other responsibilities. Learn ways to reduce stress, isolation, and "burnout" and to increase the rewards of caregiving.
Patricia Rich, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, helps family caregivers and elders in their homes providing counseling, education, linkage, and support. In her years as a Senior Clinician at Counseling for Caregivers, a non-sectarian program of the Abramson Center for Jewish Life, she has helped many husbands, wives, sons, and daughters to better handle the demands of caring for an aged loved one. A graduate of the University of Chicago and the University of Michigan, she also writes articles regarding caregiving, provides community education, and advocates for the needs of seniors.
11:30 AM
Alzheimer's Association - Delaware Valley Chapter
Keeping You Safe
Giving the Optimal Care at Home
Providing care in the home for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease is a 24 hour job. In this presentation, you will learn practical tips on home safety and caregiving strategies as well as community resources in your community.
Claire Day has been on staff of the Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter since 2001. She is the Support Group Coordinator and as such, coordinates and implements new and existing support groups in the chapter's 18 county territory, training potential facilitators, and arranging host sites. In addition to her support group duties, Ms. Day coordinates an annual dementia conference in the Delaware Valley and provides outreach and education to the community. Ms. Day started at the Association as the Development Coordinator and as the Program Coordinator for the Delaware Regional Office, where she was responsible for implementation of the chapter programs and core services throughout the state of Delaware.
Ms. Day received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Bloomsburg University in 1993. Prior to joining the Alzheimer's Association, she worked in the long-term care field as a patient and family advocate.
Ms. Day has more than thirteen years of experience as a family and professional educator in dementia care, has appeared on numerous television and radio programs throughout the Delaware Valley and was a National Presenter at the 2006 and 2007 Annual Dementia Care Conference. In October 2005 Ms. Day traveled to Mississippi to assist in the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, helping people with dementia and their loved ones affected by the storm.
12:30 PM
THE POWER OF YOU!
Reflections on Caregiving and the Importance of Life Balance
The Caregiver, the resource of hope and caring; exploring the tremendous gifts of Caregivers and the importance of Life Balance. Focusing on the role of caring for the caregiver whether achieved through supportive services or managing ones life responsibilities. Caregiving begins with caring for oneself.
Dick Chevrefils was named State Director of AARP Pennsylvania earlier this year. Dick comes to Pennsylvania after serving four years as director of the New Hampshire state office. As State Director, Chevrefils leads a staff that partners with advocates and volunteers to enhance the quality of life and well-being of AARP's 1.9 million Pennsylvania members, and older residents statewide.
Prior to working for AARP, Chevrefils spent more than 30 years with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, most recently as Assistant Commissioner. During his tenure, he served as the Director of the State Unit on Aging, Director of Human Services, and Director of Child and Family Services. He earned a Masters degree in Social Work from Boston College and Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Anselm College.
1:30 PM
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Today's Medicare... It's Not Your Mother's Medicare Anymore
Each year, from Nov 15th through Dec. 31st, Medicare beneficiaries have an opportunity to review their health and drug plan coverage options, and make changes if desired. This session will discuss what beneficiaries need to consider when reviewing their options, what resources are available to help beneficiaries and caregivers make informed choices, and provide information on Medicare's Preventive benefits.
Jon Langmead is a Health Insurance Specialist with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the Philadelphia Regional Office and is currently the State Manager for Pennsylvania. His responsibilities include Medicare partnership development, education, training and outreach in the state. He is a graduate of St. Mary's College of Maryland, with a BA in Sociology, and has been with CMS for 8 years.