To help Chattanooga area caregivers, the Alzheimer’s Association is hosting its annual Fall Caregiver Conference. “Keep Calm and Carry On: A caregiver’s guide to the joys and challenges of caregiving,” is scheduled for Friday, Nov.
21 at Ooltewah United Methodist Church. From 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m., local caregivers will gain valuable information from educated speakers and connect with area vendors who can provide assistance.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2014 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, 110,000 Tennessee residents aged 65 and older have been diagnosed. As a result of this ever increasing number caregiving statistics are increasing as well. In Tennessee alone, there are 418 thousand caregivers providing more than 476 hours of unpaid care.
“We know that being a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s can be a difficult job. With the numbers increasing each year the need for educational programs such as this will be on the rise as well,” says Amy French, manager of programs and education for the Alzheimer’s Association. “Our annual conference is an opportunity for caregivers to gather together to learn more about how they can enrich their caregiving experience.”
The 2014 Annual Fall Caregiver Conference is free to attend, but registration is required. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Ooltewah United Methodist Church is located at 6131 Relocation Way. To register please call 265-3600 or contact Amy French at afrench@alz.org.