CARIBOU, Maine — The Aroostook Area Agency on Aging and Cary Medical Center will host the annual celebration of caregivers in the County on Friday, Nov. 13, 2015 at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center from 3-7 p.m.
The event will feature numerous exhibitors, musical entertainment, a healthy meal and a keynote address from geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Cliff Singer.
Singer, who is with the Acadia Hospital in Bangor, will discuss dementia, brain health and how to keep the brain healthy. Individuals who are caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia are invited to attend. People who are caregivers for individuals recovering from a stroke or other debilitating illness are also invited.
Sharon Berz, Long Term Care Director for the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging, who coordinates the annual event, said the celebration is a time to recognize the profound contributions of caregivers.
“Family caregivers are the backbone of long-term care in our country”, said Berz. “Here in the County, hundreds of people are providing care to family members. They may be caring for someone recovering from stroke, cancer, dementia or other conditions. It is important that we recognize their contribution to our health care system.
“Our celebration is just a small way of showing appreciation for this immense effort,” she added.
Some 65 million Americans are family caregivers, providing an economic value of more than $450 billion every year, said Cary officials. In addition, 14.9 million adults are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease; 66 percent of family caregivers are women and the average age of women caregivers is 48. The need for family caregivers is growing as the 65-plus age group will double from 2000-2030 to more than 71 million.
The caregiver celebration has been held over the past 15 years, and five years ago Cary Medical Center joined the event focused on the hospital’s work with Alzheimer’s disease. Bill Flagg, director of community relations and development at Cary, said the dedication that is exhibited by caregivers who are assisting people with Alzheimer’s is remarkable.
“It has been such a privilege for us to be involved in this event,” said Flagg, who facilitates Cary’s Alzheimer’s caregiver monthly support group. “I am just so impressed with the love and compassion that these caregivers have and how much they will do to keep a loved one at home. It is just so inspirational. They certainly need our support and additional resources.”
The Caregiver Celebration is free and is open to all family caregivers. For more information on contact the Area Agency on Aging at 764-3396.
