Caregivers Expo

On October 18th , 2008, in Sterling Heights, Michigan, the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, is offering a free Expo for caregivers, from 9 A.M. through 3 P.M. This Expo will be hosted at the Sterling Heights Banquet Inn , located on Van Dyke, just of south 15 mile road. This Expo is to help inform caregivers, be it if they are new, or seasoned, on the services offered to assist them in caring for their elderly parents. Why is this an important event? As is the time, many are finding themselves in this position, and it can be overwhelming when not knowing what to do, or who to turn to.

I first learned of this agency while I was caring for my Mother. I had so many questions, and basically did not know where to turn. My mothers doctor gave me the number for the AAA. I was fascinated to learn all the services offered to help me in helping my mother. Some of the services offered by the AAA are as follows:

Respite Care: This service offers a much needed break for caregivers, who constant supervision and care for the functionally impaired.
Adult Day Car: This service offers much like a child day care, but for the elderly.
Transportation: The service is to transport your parent to the doctors and hospital, they have a wheel chair access van.
Prescription Assistance: Voucher program helping those who can not pay for medications
Legal Assistance: Provided for seniors the age 60 and over.

It is said that there will be over 90 exhibitors present, ready to answer your questions, and give you all the important information you need in helping you, in care giving. With all the knowledge you can learn upon attending this Expo, your care giving experience will be much easier, for you and your elderly parent. It is true that is will be difficult for both you and your parent. They are in a situation of being the one in constant care, something that can place them into depression. And for you, a situation that is overwhelmingly harder having to care for them, dealing with the medical issues, and balancing your life. I say this meaning, we all see our parents as strong individuals, who are our heroes, then one day they are frail, and need help. It is not easy to see. If you are a caregiver now, or soon to be, please attend this Expo, and ask questions, and learn, to ease the bumpy times ahead. The Macomb County Department Of Senior Citizens Services can be contacted at 586-469-6313. Below is listed some websites with more information on services offered.

http://www.n4a.org/
http://www.n4a.org/programs/eldercare-locator/
http://www.eldercare.gov/