[Archived] 27th Annual Caregiver Conference Announced

The 27^th Annual Caregivers Conference, “The Caregiving Journey: Smoothing Out the Bumps in the Road,” will be held Monday, November 11, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Alexandria, 2932 King Street, Alexandria VA 22302. The event, which is hosted by the Northern Virginia Dementia Caregivers Consortium, is designed for family caregivers, volunteers working with older adults, and professionals in aging and related services.

This year’s guest speakers will be James Bicksel, MD, who will discuss Behavioral Issues in Dementia; James Brooks, M.Div., who will present Finding Your Voice: Patient Advocacy for Caregivers; and Melanie Bunn, RN, who will talk about Managing Difficult Behaviors and Family Dynamics in Caregiving. A discussion on Living at Home – When Mom Can’t Be Left Alone will be presented by panelists Catherine Cole, MPA, CMC, Geriatric Care Manager; Jim Lindsay, CEO, Adult Companion Care; and Jennifer Robinson, RN, BSN, MSW, Fairfax County Department of Health. Ron Culberson, MSW, CSP, will lighten the mood in the afternoon with his talk on “Humor and Caregiving: How to Lighten Up When Things Get Heavy.”  

Participants will have an opportunity to talk with other caregivers, learn practical tips on how to respond to behavioral issues, visit with exhibitors who offer supportive services, and earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from George Mason University’s Office of Continuing Education

There is a $25 fee to attend the conference.  Registration forms are available at www.alexandriava.gov/aging or by calling 703.359.4440.

The Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium is composed of AARP Virginia; the Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services; the Alzheimer’s Association of the National Capital Area; the Alzheimer’s Family Day Center; ElderLink, Options for Caregiving; the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging; the Fairfax County Health Department; Goodwin House Incorporated; and GraceFul Care, Inc.