WARWICK – About 23,000 Rhode Islanders are living with Alzheimer’s disease, cared for by roughly 53,000 unpaid caregivers, whose quality of life will be the focus of the eighth annual Caregiver’s Journey, a free, daylong conference at the Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick in Warwick April 26.
The conference provides health care professionals and caregivers with the tools they need to carry on their journey of supporting someone with dementia. The demands on a person taking care of elderly parents, spouses or friends can result in a great deal of stress.
“Our Caregiver’s Journey conference is a great opportunity to provide a day of resources for those who are taking care of individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s or related dementia,” said Donna McGowan, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter. “All attendees will be provided with education sessions to enhance their skills on person-entered care, ways to cope, stress management and more.”
Dr. Stephen P. Salloway, director of neurology and the Memory and Aging Program at Butler Hospital, will deliver the conference’s keynote address, “Developing Breakthroughs for Alzheimer’s: What Rhode Islanders Can Do.”
Salloway, also professor of neurology and psychiatry at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, is an internationally recognized leader in clinical trials for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Salloway works closely with the national Alzheimer’s Association on key initiatives to advance research and treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
The conference will also offer a variety of workshops with topics ranging from “Care Planning through the Stages of Dementia,” “Habilitation Therapy: A Non-Pharmacological Approach to Dementia Related Behaviors,” “Dementia 101,” “Expressing the Inexpressible: The Use of Music with Individuals with Alzheimer’s and Dementia,” “Tax Tips for Seniors and Caretakers,” “Home Safety and Home Adaption,” “A Walk in Their Shoes: Virtual Tour.”
There will also be more than 40 vendors providing resources related to Alzheimer’s care. This year, a duet ensemble will provide lunchtime entertainment, followed by an update on the Rhode Island State Plan on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias presented by Lt. Gov. Daniel McKee.
Although the conference is free to family caregivers, advance registration is required. On-site respite is available for your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, with advanced registration. There are also opportunities for sponsorship of the conference and vendor space available, by calling 1-800-272-3900.
Rob Borkowski is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Borkowski@PBN.com.
