GOTM: Local Conferences

Last year around this time, I encouraged you to check out the caregivers conferences and workshops in your area (Caregivers Conferences). Although these conferences do focus on eldercare, they let you "get away" for a few hours to plan, think and absorb new information in a new environment. So I class these as a Gift-of-the-Month.

In the Triangle area of North Carolina, we're blessed to have several conferences throughout the year. I've been extra busy this week preparing to meet some of you at the:

Golden Jubilee
Date: Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Time: 9AM - 1PM
Where: Jim Graham Building, NC Fairgrounds, Raleigh, NC
Sponsored by : Resources for Seniors

AARP has a powerful workshop called Prepare To Care (contact your local AARP chapter for times and locations); and the Triangle Caregivers Conference will be held on Tuesday June 22, 2010. And check out the Alzheimer's Association for their workshops and booklets.

Join me at the Jubilee.

Blessings on your caregiving!

Caregivers Conferences

I'm running late this week. I'm preparing to exhibit at the Triangle Caregivers Conference at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh, NC on Tuesday, June 23, 8:30 - 3:00, so this post will be short. If you're attending, stop by and say hello.

When I was caring for my mother several years ago, conferences such as this one did not exist. Now, they are more prevelant. The basic format is a one-day conference full of speakers, exhibits, lunch and time to talk with providers and other caregivers. Some conferences are sponsored by a group of local care organizations, as this one on Tuesday is; others are the product of an independent group. For example, I'll be exhibiting in Orlando, FL in November at Caring for Aging Parents: Tools for a Successful Journey. This conference is organized by Stewart Miller Institute for Excellence and its purpose is to match up caregivers with the resources they need. The Institute is organizing events throughout the South through 2010.

I have found it a bit difficult to locate these conferences. They are often advertised by word-of-mouth and sometimes through newspaper ads. That means that you do have to keep your eyes and ears open and ask the professionals that are helping with your parent's care.

Conferences are a great way to gather a lot of information in a short period of time. The day away allows you time to consider options and study resources. And someone else makes lunch and cleans up. It's a good deal.

On the Parentcare 101 website, I've placed a new link that I will be working on right after the Tuesday conference. I'll be searching for conferences in the US and websites that may track such conferences, especially ones that serve the caregivers of aging parents. If you hear of anything in your area, let me know and I'll add it to the list.

I will not be posting on Tuesday, the 23rd, but I'll let you know what I learned on Thursday. Talk with you then!