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13th Annual Solutions for Family Caregivers Expo

In the near future, caring for an aging older adult family member will be as common for families as having children.  Today more than two million people in Michigan are 60 years of age or older and more than one million Michigan families are providing care for an aging or disabled loved one.  However, only a fraction of 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 hosting its 13th Annual Solutions for Family Caregivers Expo on Saturday, October 13, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Best Western Sterling Inn Banquet and Conference Center (34911 Van Dyke Avenue at 15 Mile Road) in Sterling Heights, Michigan.  This free event provides information and resources to people who care for elderly or disabled family members or friends.

This year’s Expo includes 12 expert presentations (see topics and presenters below). More than 85 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. Morning refreshments will be provided courtesy of Jim Schuster, Certified Elder Law Attorney; SMART; and Trinity Senior Living Communities.  Snacks will be available in the afternoon on a cash and carry basis. Caregiver will also have the chance to win door prizes and giveaways.  Parking and admission are free.

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“Most families don’t plan ahead and are not prepared for the role of caring for an aging parent, spouse or relative,” said Tina Abbate Marzolf, chief executive officer, AAA 1-B.  “Being a caregiver can impact a person’s job, financial stability, family life, and their mental and physical health and wellbeing.  The Solutions for Family Caregivers Expo was created to connect caregivers to information and resources to improve their quality of life, as well as the life of the person they care for.”

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 Sterling Inn 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.  Respite Care is sponsored by Hospice of Michigan and Sunrise Senior Living.

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Due to limited space, reservations for “Respite Care at the Expo” must be made by October 5, 2012.  Respite care is strictly for adults.  For more information or to make a reservation, caregivers can visit aaa1b.com or contact the AAA 1-B at 1-800-852-7795.

The Caregiver Expo  is sponsored by HAP Medicare Solutions, Henry Ford Health System, AAA – The Auto Club Group, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Witzke Berry, Carter & Wander, PLLC., American House, Guardian Medical Monitoring, Meridian Advantage Plan, NexCare Health Systems, Presbyterian Villages of Michigan, Waltonwood, and Visiting Physicians Association.  Media sponsors are Alternatives for Seniors and Macomb Daily.

Educational seminars include:

From 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

“Keeping the Keys”

Jack Peet, AAA Traffic Safety Manager, AAA – The Auto Club Group

“Making Medicare Work for You”

Karen Wintringham, Vice President, Medicare Programs, HAP Medicare Solutions

Paying for Long- Term Care; Medicaid and VA Benefits”

Christopher J. Berry, Esq., Witzke Berry Carter & Wander, PLLC

 “Where Do You Turn When You Need A Break? Respite Care for the Caregiver”

Mary Toupin, Director, Catholic Social Services of Macomb – A Friend’s House Community Adult Day Care Program

JoAnn DeGrandis, Respite Volunteer Coordinator, Macomb County Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers

Andrea Layman, Director of Network Development, Area Agency on Aging 1-B

From 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

“Beyond Just the Primary Care Doctor”

Dr.  Gardi Vidholia, Geriatrician, Henry Ford Medical Group

“Caregiver Survival”

Jill Gafner, Caregiver and Author

“Navigating Long Term Care Options”

Barbara Lavery, Regional Supervisor, Area Agency on Aging 1-B

“Have you Had The Talk?

Cynthia Pimm, MSW, MPA, MM, Hospice of Michigan

FROM 12:30 pm to 1:30 p.m.

“Medicare and Medicaid Advantage Plans – Exploring the Options”

Rose Cook, Senior Medicare Consultant – Federal Business Division,  Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

 “Legal Tips for Caregivers”

Jim Schuster, J.D., Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA)

“Communication and Understanding Behaviors in Alzheimer's Disease”

Roxanne Chang, MS, Esq., LLP, Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Michigan Chapter

Housing Options for Older Adults & Persons with Disabilities”

Rebecca Fried, LLMSW, Housing Specialist. Area Agency on Aging 1-B

For more information on the Area Agency on Aging 1-B or the free 2012 Solutions for Family Caregivers Expo, visit michigancaregiverexpo.com or call 1-800-852-7795.


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