Cleveland State Community College and the Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability are co-sponsoring Never Forget: 2012 Alzheimer’s Summit, an informative half-day seminar on Friday, Oct. 26, from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. in the George R. Johnson Cultural Heritage Center. The seminar will consist of a series of speakers that will convey resources and information about the disease. Free adult daycare will also be available during the seminar to those who register by Oct. 17.
There will be information on where and how to access information that is relevant regarding mental health and counseling services; affordable health services for the elderly with limited income; in home care services for the elderly; respite care information; help with prescription costs (Familywize Discount Prescription Card); and legal and financial planning.
“Cleveland State, in conjunction with The Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability, is privileged to offer this very important informational summit on Alzheimer’s Disease to our community," said Cohort Specialist Cele Curtis. “As of January 2011, each day 10,000 baby boomers turned 65 years of age, and statistics tell us that 85 percent of persons 65 years of age and older will require some form of caregiving assistance within their lifetime. This Summit has been specifically designed to bring together experts in the field of elder law, as well as representatives from the Alzheimer’s Association and the Southeast Tennessee Area on Aging and Disability. Caregivers can become so isolated and not really know who to call for information; Summit presenters will provide information on and address many of the most common challenges that caregivers face.”
Some of the vendors include the Alzheimer’s Association, the Southeast Tennessee Area on Aging and Disability, Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability, and elder law information from a local law firm.
Ryan Barry, associate, and Sally Brewer, care coordinator, will be representing Chambliss Bahner, & Stophel, P.C. based out of Chattanooga. They will be hosting a session titled, “Legal and Financial Planning for Alzheimer’s; the Sooner, the Better.” Many families wait until they are in crisis mode and in the throes of this disease to examine their financial and legal arrangements. This session will highlight the major planning techniques in preparing for ‘the long journey’ and encourage early discussion and planning.
Mr. Barry is a member of Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel’s Taxation and Estate Planning Section and focuses his practice on estate planning and elder law. Ms. Brewer also works for the Taxation and Estate Planning Section, with a focus on elder law, care coordination, placement assistance, dementia consultation, and Medicaid/Veterans benefits attainment. Ms. Brewer is a Qualified Dementia Care Specialist with more than 20 years of experience in Alzheimer’s care and the long-term care industry. She is recognized as an advocate for change in Alzheimer’s public policy, performs educational trainings to area professionals, is a guest lecturer for the UTC Social Work program, and facilitates a local Alzheimer’s support group for family caregivers.
Amy French will be representing the Alzheimer’s Association. Ms. French is currently the manager of Programs and Education for the Alzheimer’s Association Mid South Chapter. Ms. French has worked in mental health with chronically mentally ill adults, in home healthcare, as a social worker, and as a service coordinator and a program manager for various programs with the Area Agency on Aging and Disability. Ms. French has worked in the field of geriatric care for over 20 years and has gained extensive experience in the healthcare field as a direct care provider and service coordinator.
The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association is “to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.”
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disease which attacks the brain. Living with Alzheimer’s disease on a daily basis challenges families physically, emotionally, and financially. The programs and services of the Mid South Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association are designed to assist families in meeting these challenges and improve the quality of life for all affected by the disease.
The Mid South chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association offers a variety of education materials and programs to individuals and groups. Support groups, care consultations, safety services, and referrals for resources are also provided. A 24/7 toll-free helpline is available for support and assistance outside regular office hours.
Christin McWhorter will be representing the Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability. Ms. McWhorter is the program coordinator for the National Family Caregiver Support Program. Ms. McWhorter is a member of the Tennessee Society of Healthcare Social Workers, Chattanooga Health Disparities Task Force, and Regional council of Tennessee Respite Coalition. She currently co-facilities a support group specifically for caregivers. She is very involved in community outreach and has a passion to assist and advocate for caregivers.
Ms. McWhorter will be hosting a session titled, “Questions about What to Do Next? Learn about your One Stop Shop.” If you are like most caregivers there are times when you have questions about what to do next. This session will address questions such as, ‘Who do you call when the help and care you provide is not enough?’ It will also address the community resources that are available to you.
For more information on Never Forget: 2012 Alzheimer’s Summit, or to register for the Summit, visit the website at mycs.cc/alzsummit. You can also email events@clevelandstatecc.edu for more information.
This event is sponsored by the Cleveland State Department of Special Programs and Community Relations to promote educational and informative programs to the counties of Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Polk, and the surrounding area.