Caregivers may register for Delaware Dementia Conference set Nov. 16
The Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter invites family and professional caregivers for people living with Alzheimer's or a related disorder to register for its Annual Delaware Dementia Conference, Sharing the Journey, set 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 16, at Dover Downs Hotel and Conference Center.
“We are expecting at least 500 people to register in addition to several sponsors and vendors, whose representatives will staff tables with promotional and informational materials for our attendees to take home,” said Kristina Prendergast, the Delaware Valley Chapter's conference and program outreach manager.
Family and professional caregivers will also have an opportunity to meet and share their experiences while learning tips and tools from one another, and Alzheimer's and dementia care experts.
In Delaware there are approximately 26,000 individuals living with Alzheimer’s or a related disorder. According to the Alzheimer’s Association Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures report, in 2015, as many as 53,000 family members and friends provided 60 million hours of unpaid care for them - worth about $740 million.
Nationwide, caregiving takes a toll on the health of caregivers: one out of five care contributors acknowledges cutting back on their own doctor visits because of caregiving responsibilities. A majority of caregivers also report higher emotional and physical stress due to caring for someone with dementia. Alzheimer's is also the nation's most expensive disease, costing about $236 billion in 2016.
“This is why we host our dementia conferences each year,” said Prendergast. “Caregivers deserve a break and a chance to learn how to make their lives just a bit easier while giving so much of themselves to care for others.”
For more information for caregivers and others interested in learning how to ease the caregiver experience, or to register, go to www.act.alz.org/2016DEconference or call the Delaware Valley Chapter's free 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900. The last day to register by mail is Tuesday, Nov. 8, but online and telephone registration will be available until Friday, Nov. 11. Continuing education contact hours are available for professional caregivers.
