Caregiver Fairs

Upcoming Fairs

10th Annual Solutions for Family Caregivers Expo
Saturday, October 24, 2009
9:00 AM—2:00 PM
Diamond Ballroom
Rock Financial Showplace
Novi, MI

10th Annual Solutions for Family Caregivers Expo

Presentation Schedule

Presentation Schedule

Guests of the Solutions for Family Caregivers Expo on Saturday, October 24, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. have the opportunity to attend the follwing expert presentations throughout the day:

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

“Adult Immunizations: Short Term Pain, Long Term Gain”

Heidi L. Diez, Pharm. D., Clinical Pharmacist and Assistant Professor, University of Michigan College of Pharmacy

The Kroger Company of Michigan

Dr. Diez will discuss which vaccines are recommended for adults, as well as which vaccines are covered under Medicare. She will explain common side effects, frequency of administration, and reasons to get each individual vaccine. She will also share the benefits and cautions for the new vaccine used to prevent Shingles.

“Advocating for Quality Care for Your Loved Ones: A Legal Perspective”

Sanford J. Mall, CELA and Arthur L. Malisow, CELA

Mall Malisow & Cooney, PC

Sandy and Art, nationally certified elder law attorneys, will discuss how effective eldercare and special needs legal planning can help assure maximum quality of life for your loved one while preserving and protecting precious financial resources. You will learn tricks of navigating the long term care system including why it is essential to have good legal planning in place.

“Medicare – Understanding Your Options”

Robert Fox, MMAP Counselor

Area Agency on Aging 1-B

Bob will provide an overview of the fundamentals of Medicare and the Medicare choices available, including Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicare prescription drug coverage. He will outline how to choose the right plan for you and provide an introduction on how to use Medicare’s online tools on Mymedicare.gov and on Medicare.gov, including the Medicare prescription drug plan finder, the find out what Medicare covers function, and the quality cost compare online database.

"Veterans Home & Health Benefits: What They Are & How To Get Them"

Lauren Chamberlin, Accredited Veterans Representative, Veterans Benefits Counselor Supervisor

Oakland County Veterans Services

Are you or the person you care for a veteran? Are you a spouse of a veteran? You won’t want to miss this presentation about the important health care benefits available to qualifying veterans and their spouses. Lauren will take you through the eligibility requirements and the application process for Veterans Affairs (VA) federal benefits including, the VA health care benefit and VA Pension with the Aid and Attendance benefit.

30 minute break to enjoy refreshments and visit with exhibitors

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

"The Key to Moving Safely is Balance: How to improve your balance and prevent falls"

B.K. Ahmad, MD, Neurology Service Chief, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital

Kenneth Bouchard, PhD, Senior Staff Audiologist, Otolaryngology

Henry Ford Health System

Falls happen to both men and women; however, there is an increased number of falls in older adults. In fact, one third of people over the age of 65 have at least one fall per year. Falls are caused by medical or environmental conditions. Dr. Ahmad and Dr. Bouchard will discuss these medical and environmental aspects to better understand how they impact maintaining safe balance in everyday life. Resolution, activities and support resources will be including in this presentation.

“Caregiver Stress and Burnout: How to get the support you need to manage stress and avoid burnout”

Midge Appel, MA

Adjunct Faculty, Oakland Community College, Macomb Community College

Ms. Appel will share her professional and personal experience as a caregiver and explore the challenges and natural emotions caregivers often experience when caring for someone with a chronic illness, dementia, or a physical disability. She will discuss the signs and symptoms of caregiver stress and depression, often associated with caregiving and provide guidance to help caregivers learn to take care of themselves, ask for help, and avoid caregiver burnout.

"Medicaid: Qualifying, Applying and Receiving Medicaid Benefits"

Jennifer Houghton, Access and Benefits Supervisor

Area Agency on Aging 1-B

Jennifer will discuss the benefits and qualifications for Medicaid programs available to older adults and persons with disabilities, providing an overview of Medicaid programs, such as adult day care, Medicare savings programs, MI Choice, Home Help grant, and Medicaid coverage in a nursing home. Jennifer will also explain the rules regarding assets, as they apply to Medicaid Long Term Care programs. She will explain the application process and provide helpful hints for applying.

“Protecting Older Loved Ones from Scams & Fraud”

Angela E. Branch, Special Assistant to the Attorney General

State of Michigan, Department of the Attorney General

Ms. Branch will share important information to help you protect your loved ones from the latest telemarketing scams, sweepstakes offers, phishing, charitable giving fraud, and identity theft. She will also explain how to obtain free annual credit reports to insure financial safety and security.

30 minute break to enjoy refreshments and visit with exhibitors

12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

“How to Navigate Home & Community Services to Live Independently”

Kathleen Kueppers, RN, Director of Community Support Services

Area Agency on Aging 1-B

Understanding where to turn to access the services your loved may need to live at home can be overwhelming. Kathleen Kueppers will explore options available to caregivers and how to access services, such as respite care, home delivered meals, care management, personal care, homemaking, support groups, transportation, and more. She will also share details about the Community Living Program that utilizes community-based services to help older adults and persons with disabilities stay in their own homes AND successfully transitions individuals out of nursing facilities and back into the community.

“Know the 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease: Early Detection Matters”

Rhonda Beauford, BS, Education and Training Coordinator

Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Michigan Chapter

Dr. Rhonna Shatz, DO, Director of Neurobehavioral Services, Department of Neurology

Henry Ford Health System

Guests will learn why early detection, early diagnosis and early intervention are important to an Alzheimer’s patient; the difference between age-related memory loss and dementia; and what to do if signs of Alzheimer’s disease are evident. The experts will also identify the risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer’s, the lifestyle changes that may positively affect brain health, and strong scientific evidence that links brain health to heart health.

“Legal Tips for Caregivers”

Jim Schuster, J.D., Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA)

This lively Q&A session will cover legal information caregivers need to know. Back by popular demand, Jim Schuster will share his extensive knowledge on caregiver contracts, powers of attorney, wills and living trusts, Veterans Aid and Attendance benefit, Medicaid, asset protection, alternatives to nursing home care, and more. Learn how to be an empowered advocate!

“The Working Caregiver Survival Guide”

Bert Copple, MA , Founder, Working Caregiver Initiative and General Manager, Home Instead Senior Care, Birmingham-MI

Kathryn Bartz, MA, Director of Strategic Growth and Development at Optimal Care, Inc.

Susan Myers, CPA, CFA, CLTC, Senior Financial Planner at The Center for Wealth Management

Diane Hischke, RN, MSN, CMC, Founder, President, and Geriatric Care Manager at Serving Seniors

This panel of experts will explore the challenges faced by working caregivers and provide advice and resources designed to help working caregivers to be proactive. Each attendee will receive a caregiver survival guide that includes a copy of the PowerPoint slides, caregiver resources handouts and educational booklets.

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