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Caring for Aging Loved Ones Focus of September 15 Conference
Caring for aging loved ones affects the workplace, the economy and our healthcare system, but its greatest impact is on individual lives.On Wednesday, Sept. 15, the Freeholder Board, in conjunction with the Camden County Division of Senior and Disabled Services, will host the free Caring for Aging Loved Ones Conference at the Holiday Inn at 109 Ninth Avenue in Runnemede from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
“The impact knows no racial, economic or religious barriers,” said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services. “The Freeholder Board recognized that many households in Camden County are struggling to find the right balance and keep a positive attitude.”
The Division of Senior & Disabled Services has seen a rise in demand for information related to caring for a loved one as more people have taken on the responsibility. In fact, though there is now usually a waiting list for events such as this one, the county did not even hold this conference a decade ago. It’s now in its eighth year.
Included at the conference will be a team of experts with answers on providing home and respite care, housing options, health insurance counseling and a broad spectrum of legal issues. Attendees can speak directly with experts from Social Security, Senior and Disabled Citizen Services, Surrogate’s Court, Medicaid, Senior Citizens United Community Services (SCUCS) and an elder law attorney.
“This is one of the toughest challenges families will face, especially for Baby Boomers and the elderly parents who depend on them,” said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez. “One of the key issues covered in the seminar includes the appropriate management of personal assets for both caregivers and aging parents as they progress through their 70’s 80’s and, increasingly, beyond.”
Many people may not even realize that they are a caregiver, according to Joy Merulla, director of the Division of Senior & Disabled Services.
That’s because, Merulla said, the term “caregiver” might make one think of a 24/7 duty providing health care needs for a family member, but that isn’t always the case. A caregiver could be someone who makes meals for their parents, picks up scripts, does grocery shopping or cleaning.
Of course, there are also more involved aspects of caregiving that include managing finances, along with issues such as power of attorney and wills.
“I think we’re all caregivers when we get to a certain age,” Merulla said.
If you are caring for an aging loved one, this conference will present the services and programs available in your community. Seating is limited and is nearing capacity.
To register, contact the Division of Senior and Disabled Services at (800) 955-2446 or visit www.camdencounty.com. For more information on homemaker/respite services, call SCUCS at (856) 456-1121 or Social Security at (800) 772-12123 or visit www.camdencounty.com.