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Local Voices

26th Annual Merrimack Valley Alzheimer Conference

26th Annual Merrimack Valley Alzheimer Conference

An Educational Supportive Forum for Caregivers and Professionals

 

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The Merrimack Valley Alzheimer’s Partnership will host the Annual Alzheimer Conference on Saturday, May 3, 2014. The conference will run from 8:00 am– 3:30 pm at Northern Essex Community College Technology Center. This is an all-day conference – FREE to all caregivers – with lunch provided.  This year’s conference theme is “Caregiving…where to start and how to continue.  The conference is an educational and supportive forum for professionals and family caregivers who work with and care for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

The Keynote speaker is Dr. John Zeisel from the Hearthstone Institute, Author and Developer of the I’m Still Here™ approach to Alzheimer’s and Dr. Janice Funk, Neuropsychologist, The Memory Clinic, Alzheimer’s – The Journey Continues. Care Corridor Exhibitor Tables with professionals and resources will be available. And, back by popular demand – Caregiver Conversations with facilitators who will listen to caregivers without judgement.

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Conference attendance and support has increased measurably because over 50% of caregivers continue to work while caring for their loved ones, and find it difficult to reach out help for help.  Most people who need long term care depend exclusively on family and friends in order to remain at home. It is no surprise to note that if the services provided by informal caregivers had to be replaced with paid services, it would cost an estimate of $257 billion dollars. This amount greatly exceeds the amount the U.S. spends annually on home health care, $32 Billion.

To register or have a conference brochure mailed or e-mailed directly to you, please contact Bonnie Sisson, at 978-946-1433 or bsisson@esmv.org

More than 52 million family caregivers – 8.9 million individuals – are caring for someone with dementia.  Unpaid family caregivers continue to be the largest source of long-term care service in the United States. Elder Care Advisor, Cindy Hession-Richard states “Family caregiving is a huge part of our American culture, and making sure our caregivers are well-prepared for this overwhelming task is a critical step to ensuring a safe, loving and secure environment for those in need of care.”

The Merrimack Valley Alzheimer’s Partnership is a collaborative effort of professional and family caregivers of the Merrimack Valley who work together to create and support local opportunities for education, advocacy, and fundraising in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter. 

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