The New River Valley Agency on Aging will be holding its 13th Annual Caregivers Conference Friday, Aug. 8, 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., in Edwards Hall, on the New River Community College Campus in Dublin.
The conference, held in partnership with NRCC and Workforce Development, is a day full of support, education and community for caregivers and is free for volunteer and family caregivers. The keynote speaker is Joseph Lugo, Director, Beard Center on Aging, University of Lynchburg. He will work to “unpack” the challenges of federal policy shifts, severe labor shortages, and the growing burden of how chronic illnesses are transforming how families access critical support, understand their implications, and explore actionable strategies to meet rising needs of caregivers with limited resources.
There will be three classrooms for attendees to choose from during two breakout sessions:
Session A: “Riding the Waves: Navigating the 4 Pillars of Aging Care”
Robin Weeks, “My Pivotal Point”. Discover how to confidently manage the ever-changing tides of caregiving by focusing on four essential pillars which will include the areas of health needs, legal and financial planning, home safety and adaptations, and changing family dynamics to feel more prepared and less overwhelmed.
Session B: “Embrace New Wave of Support and Real Solutions for Caregivers”
Brooke Hall, Solutions Medical Supply Store. Discover the “new wave” of caregiver support from medications to medical equipment and learn about how integrated solutions make caregiving easier, safer, and more manageable.
Session C: “Steering the Ship in Uncertain Waters: Services and Supports for Better Caregiving”
Brooke Gill, Central and Southwest Va. Alzheimer’s Association; Allison Payne, Disability Resource Center of the NRV; and Allison Patrick, Virginia Department of Veterans Services. Panel presentations and discussion about resources and support to help caregivers identify services to strengthen their caregiving role.
Over 50 industry and service vendors will be set up throughout the day to provide information on equipment and support services designed to make caregiving an easier journey.
The conference is free for private and volunteer caregivers, and just $35 for professional caregivers. A delicious lunch will be provided, including vegetarian and vegan options. Interested parties can visit the NRV Agency on Aging website, at nrvaoa.org, for quick and easy registration, and to download the day’s agenda. For more information call the office at 540-980-7720.
“This event was so helpful when I was caring for my aging mother, who had dementia. It was the first time I realized I was not alone in my experience, and that there were more resources than I was aware of to help make my caregiving responsibilities a little easier.” Kelly Wimmer, New River Valley resident who attended the Caregivers Conference in 2018 and 2019.
The conference is sponsored by United Health Care, Pulaski Health and Rehabilitation Center, Solutions Medical Supply, AARP Virginia, Heritage Hall of Blacksburg and Lewis Gale Montgomery and Pulaski.
New River Valley Agency on Aging
