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VPAS Plans Conference This Month
Editor’s note: The following story was written by Leigh-Anne Lees, community relations director for Valley Program for Aging Services.
When he wouldn’t eat the pork roll sandwich he used to love, you knew it was because he wanted a bowl of diced peaches. You knew he would take his pills if you handed them to him one at a time with a smile. And you knew that easing into a bedtime routine meant brewing a cup of hot tea and playing three songs by Neil Diamond.
It was like puzzle you had solved. Even as you felt a deep sense of fulfillment, however, you knew there would be more challenging days ahead.
Most of us don’t expect to become caregivers, but the reality is that caregiving is woven into the fabric of our lives. As First Lady and activist Rosalynn Carter said, “There are only four kinds of people in the world. Those who have been caregivers. Those who are currently caregivers. Those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”
We rarely identify ourselves this way. We are sons and daughters, spouses and siblings, nieces and friends. But viewing ourselves as caregivers can open us up to new possibilities for the support we need in this role.
According to AARP and the National Alliance on Caregiving, there are more than 50 million caregivers across the nation who provide billions of dollars worth in unpaid care to loved ones.
While caregiving can bring profound satisfaction, challenges can mount over time which negatively our health, careers, finances, and parenting. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, caregivers are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, worse selfreported physical health, and increased early death. Over half of caregivers report that health declines are affecting our ability to provide care to the ones we love.
Fortunately, awareness of this caregiver crisis is growing. November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and support the role of family caregivers as the backbone of our nation’s healthcare system. Resources are available all year long, however.
On Tuesday, Sept. 17, Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) will host the fourth annual Confident Caregivers Conference at Blue Ridge Community College in Weyers Cave from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The day begins with a resource fair featuring representatives from home health care organizations, retirement and adult day care facilities, Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services, audiologists, elder law attorneys, occupational therapists, and more.
Following the resource fair, internationally recognized motivational speaker Loretta Veney will present “Building Joyful Caregiver Experiences using Humility, Hope and Humor,” along with an afternoon session on “Amazing Tools to Lighten the Caregiver Load.” Local experts will offer workshops on caregiver planning, self care, and smooth care transitions for your loved one. Attendees will also enjoy lunch, mini-massages, door prizes, access to new resources, and more.
There is no cost to attend, but space is limited and registration is required. To learn more and register, visit vpas.info/confident- caregivers-conferences or call (540) 615-5341.
