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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information Second Annual Caregiver Resource EXPO provided key information to caregivers
By Bea Cowlin, Elder Services Caregiver Liaison
Some 125 people attended the Second Annual Caregiver Resource EXPO, which featured professionals, agencies, assisted living facilities, vendors selling durable medical equipment, and nursing/rehabilitation facility exhibits that provided information to caregivers and their families.
In addition to the exhibitors, keynote speaker Dr. Mark Liponis, Medical Director of Canyon Ranch, provided specific information on the importance of caregivers caring for themselves. He discussed how stress contributes to inflammation in the body, and ways to reduce that stress through diet and exercise. Liponis suggested a diet high in fiber such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, and very limited red meat. He stressed that daily exercise to increase one’s heart rate should be to limits suggested by your physician.
A panel of professionals was available to answer questions from caregivers. Represented were professionals from Elder Services, The Alzheimer’s Association, HospiceCare in The Berkshires, and other professionals versed in dementias and legal issues. The evening ended with several raffles of gifts provided by some of the exhibitors.
According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, 5.8 to 7 million caregivers, comprised of family members, friends or neighbors, provide care to persons over age 65. Five million informal caregivers will provide care for someone over age 50 with dementia. Forty-one per cent of these caregivers are adult children who may be working full time and raising a family while caring for aging parents. Twenty-three percent are caring for their spouses. Elder Services of Berkshire County has been pleased to support this annual event to convey information to caregivers whose numbers will only increase with time as the aging population increases.