Free United Way Caregivers Coalition event provides access to local resources
NEWTON — On Saturday, April 16, area caregivers can access information and resources critical to their role of caring for a loved one at an event that is part of the inaugural United Way of Northern New Jersey Caregivers Coalition Conference Series.
Held at the Newton Medical Center, Romano Conference and Education Center, 175 High Street, in Newton from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., the free conference will provide presentations and resources to help unpaid caregivers who assist loved ones of any age who are ill, frail or living with a disability or mental illness. A complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided.
The free event is part of a series of regional conferences designed to help unpaid family caregivers navigate challenges across the care recipient’s lifespan. The series, which runs through April throughout United Way’s five-county region, will explore topics that provide family caregivers with valuable information from local experts and connections to local resources.
“With an estimated 43.5 million Americans serving as unpaid caregivers, the need is great and will only continue to grow,” said United Way Caregivers Coalition Manager Robin Ennis. “United Way is dedicated to addressing this issue within our communities by providing caregivers with the critical supports and resources they need on their caregiving journey.”
During the conference caregivers can attend the following presentations:
“How the NJ Ombudsman Can Serve as Your Loved One’s Advocate,” presented by Jennifer McMahon, outreach and advocacy coordinator, New Jersey Office of the Ombudsman for Institutionalized Elderly
“Mental Illness: Symptom Management and Guidelines for Caregivers,” led by licensed clinical social worker Carrie Parmelee, a family support specialist and mental health first aid instructor at Saint Clare’s Health Center
“Of Course You’re Stressed—Here’s What You Can Do” offered by Tom Caines of ClearVision Coaching, LLC.
The coalition brings together caregivers, medical professionals, social service agencies, businesses, and other community groups to support unpaid caregivers in Sussex County. In its fourth year, the Coalition has grown to include more than 300 members and is widely recognized as filling a critical need in the community especially for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families. Already living paycheck to paycheck, ALICE families cannot afford to miss work to care for their loved ones.
Copies of United Way Caregivers Coalition’s “Pathways for Caregivers” will also be available. This free guide contains information, ideas and support for providing care for loved ones. There are separate sections on aging, disabilities and mental health issues, as well as information on veteran services. The guide is also available online at www.UnitedWayNNJ.org/CaregiverTools.
Caregivers are the family members and friends who help their loved ones with a range of tasks from paying bills or driving to doctors, to personal care such as bathing and dressing, to medical care such as administering medication.
Conference space is limited. Register by April 10 by visiting www.UnitedWayNNJ.org/CaregiversConferences. For more information, email Robin.Ennis@UnitedWayNNJ.org or call 973.993.1160, x305.