Nov. 13 free event features speakers, entertainment and practical information
The Heritage Area Agency on Aging will host the 8th annual caregiver wellness day event, “A Celebration of Caregivers,” Friday, Nov. 13, 2009. The event is designed to give support and encouragement to informal caregivers of older adults in east central Iowa and to help them focus on their own health and well-being.
This free program will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Kirkwood Training and Outreach Services Center (KTOS), 3375 Armar Drive, in Marion. The Heritage Area Agency on Aging, in collaboration with staff from the Alzheimer’s Association, Hospice of Mercy, St. Luke’s Hospice, Hospice Compassus, Iowa Hospice, Home Instead, Milestones Adult Day Centers in Cedar Rapids and in Marion are planning this event to honor and support caregivers in this region.
The keynote speaker for the day will be motivational leader and success coach, Heather Woody whose presentation will be “Look for the Joy.” Woody will interact with participants to achieve intentional, successful and fulfilling life experiences.
Other sessions will include: “A Legal Check-up for Family Caregivers” by Martha Quint, Attorney, Heritage Elder Law Project; “Dealing with Difficult Behaviors” by Dr. Susan Schultz, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry, Geriatric Division, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine; and “Quick and Easy Meals and the New Number System” by Lori Willet, Hy-Vee dietitian. A closing session will be presented by Christine Wagner-Hecht, Chaplain at Hospice of Mercy, and a presentation by the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy, Children’s Gospel Choir.
Participants will also have the opportunity to enjoy free chair massage or reflexology therapies or experience Satin Hands by Mary Kay. Free blood pressure checks, and flu shots (depending on availability) will be offered. The nearby Village Ridge Assisted Living will provide free respite care, giving caregivers a break to enjoy the day.
Heritage Family Caregiver Program Coordinator Sandy Nulle notes that family and friend caregivers provide invaluable resources to their loved ones. “Their courage, compassion, and dedication allows the person they are caring for to remain in the home in a loving environment. That often comes at great economic, physical and mental costs to the caregiver. This event is being held to recognize and celebrate the contributions that in-home caregivers of older adults in our region make and to support them in their role,” Nulle said.
Nulle also expressed appreciation for the many organizations that will make the day’s programs possible at no cost to participants.
Presenting Sponsors: Above & Beyond Home Health & Hospice Care; Aging Services, Inc.; Alliant Energy; Bickford Assisted Living & Memory Care; Burns Housing; CarePro Health Services; Heritage Nursing & Rehab Center; Hiawatha Care Center; Home Choice Senior Care; Home Instead Senior Care; Hospice Compassus; Hospice of Mercy;
Iowa Hospice; The Meth-Wick Community; St. Luke’s Hospice; St. Luke’s Lifeline,/Philips Lifeline; St. Luke’s Living Centers East & West; Summit Pointe; The View’s; The Villages at Marion; Visiting Angels of Cedar Rapids; and
Windmill Manor.
Patron Sponsors: Higley Mansion Care Center; Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP); Rose Haven Nursing Home; and Sound Clarity Inc.
This event is free, but registration is requested to ensure adequate food and materials are available. Please register by November 10, 2009 by calling the Heritage Agency office at 319-398-5559 or 1-800-332-5934. Further details on the annual caregiver support event are available from Heritage Agency staff members Sandy Nulle or Katherine Hines.