Michigan's Caregiver Expo Offers Resources for Families Caring for Elderly Parents, Relatives

More than 65.7 million unpaid family caregivers in the U.S. are faced with mental and physical stress, as they balance caring for an aging or disabled family member. family caregivers are accessing supportive services, information and resources.  According to the experts, staying connected and utilizing resources is essential to caregiver health and survival.

The Area Agency on Aging 1-B (AAA 1-B) is an unbiased, trusted resource for family caregivers, dedicated to connecting them to services and information to support their important role.  The 14th Annual Solutions for Family Caregivers Expo will take place on Saturday, October 12, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Diamond Ballroom at the Suburban Collection Showplace (46100 Grand River Avenue, one mile west of Novi Road) in Novi, Michigan.  This free event provides access to resources, services and support for people who care for elderly or disabled adult family members or friends.

This year’s Expo offers 12 new and popular expert presentations (see topics and presenters below). More than 120 exhibitors will be on site displaying and demonstrating products and services for caregivers.  The AAA 1-B’s Resource Specialists and trained Medicare and Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) volunteers will be available all day at the “Ask The Resource Specialist” booth answering questions on Medicare, Medicaid, transportation options, in home services, and providing access to local resources.

“Family caregivers are faced with mental, physical and financial stress, as they balance caring for an aging or disabled family member,” said Tina Abbate Marzolf, chief executive officer, AAA 1-B.  “Staying connected and utilizing resources is essential to caregiver health, wellbeing and survival. The annual Caregiver Expo provides that connection to help empower caregivers, reduce their stress and improve their outlook and quality of life.”

Respite Care Provided On-Site
Caregivers who cannot leave the person they care for at home alone to attend the Caregiver Expo are encouraged to register their loved one  in “Respite Care at the Expo,” a free service provided onsite at the Suburban Collection Showplace during the event.  Caregivers can leave their loved one in the caring hands of qualified professionals, where they will enjoy refreshments and participate in engaging activities such as singing, games, crafts, and social interaction.   Due to limited space, reservations for “Respite Care at the Expo” must be made by October 4, 2013.  Respite care is strictly for adults.  For more information or to make a reservation, caregivers can visit www.aaa1b.com, or contact the AAA 1-B at 1-800-852-7795.

Guests of the Caregiver Expo will enjoy morning refreshments. Snacks will be available in the afternoon on a cash and carry basis. Caregivers will also have the chance to win door prizes and giveaways.  Parking and admission are free.

The Caregiver Expo is sponsored by AAA – The Auto Club Group; HAP Medicare Solutions; Henry Ford Health System; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan; Christopher J. Berry, Certified Elder Law Attorney; Priority Health; American House; Guardian Medical Monitoring; Meridian Advantage Plan of Michigan; Personal Touch Home Health Services, Inc.; Presbyterian Villages of Michigan; and Waltonwood. 

Refreshment Sponsors are Jim Schuster, Certified Elder Law Attorney; SMART; and Trinity Senior Living Communities.  Respite Care at the Expo is sponsored by DMC- Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital; Hospice of Michigan; Sunrise Senior Living; and Visiting Angels.

For more information on the free 2013 Solutions for Family Caregivers Expo, visit www.michigancaregiverexpo.com or call 1-800-852-7795.