The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Missouri chapter and AARP Missouri are hosting a Community Caregiver Conference in Springfield from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, September 19.
The event will feature presentations on elder law, including Medicaid and Power of Attorney, along with information on effective communication with loved ones and available support for caregivers in Springfield and the surrounding areas. There will also be booths with area resources for participants to visit in the morning and afternoon.
There is no cost to attend. Refreshments and a light lunch will be served, courtesy of AARP Missouri. Register at https://tinyurl.com/LibraryCenterCGC
Missouri caregivers and those across the country face significant emotional, physical and health-related challenges as result of caregiving as well, according to the 2023 Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures report:
· Dementia caregivers report higher rates of chronic conditions, including stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer compared to caregivers of people without dementia or non-caregivers. In Missouri, 60% of caregivers reported at least one chronic condition.
· The prevalence of depression is higher among dementia caregivers when compared to caregivers for other conditions. In Missouri, 28% of caregivers reported depression.
· Seventy-four percent of dementia caregivers report they are “somewhat concerned" to “very concerned” about maintaining their own health since becoming a caregiver. In Missouri, 20% report frequent poor physical health.
· Across the country, 59% of dementia caregivers report high to very high emotional stress due to caregiving and 38% report high to very high physical stress due to caregiving.
“Our hope with the conference is for caregivers to discover community resources that can help as they care for a loved one and help to decrease isolation by connecting them with others who share a similar experience,” said Brittany Fletcher, programs manager for the Alzheimer’s Association.
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