50+ Lifestyles

Are You a Family Caregiver?

By Peggy Dykes
Community Relations Director
Milestone’ Area Agency on Aging

When my mom was going through some health issues, I helped my sisters take care of her. I’d sit with her, make meals and attend to her personal needs. Before that, when she was more independent, I’d help with yard work and some minor household chores she couldn’t handle.As I was going through these stages, I did not consider myself to be a caregiver, even though I was.

Caregiving is different for each individual and family. Some forms of help can be pretty simple, while others are more challenging and require assistance with hands-onsupport or making decisions about complex medical care. Caregivers are highly engaged in the pursuit of health information, support, care, and advice, both online and offline, and do many health-related activities at higher levels than non-caregivers.

Caregivers don’t often get the appreciation or support they deserve. It’s hard for them to accept help or even ask for it. More than likely, it’s hard to find the time in an already Milestone’ Area Agency on Aging busy schedule to seek out information that can assist them in their caregiving role.

That’s why the Quad City Family Caregiver Conference was created five years ago; to provide a lot of information, all under one roof, especially for caregivers. It will be held on March 14th from 8 a.m. to noon at the Waterfront Convention Center, 2021 State Street in Bettendorf. Two keynote speakers will feature talks on dementia and how to tackle caregiver issues. A variety of exhibitors will feature products, services and programs to help caregivers and the people they are caring for. There will be light refreshments and door prizes. Family Caregiver Specialists from Milestones Area Agency on Aging (AAA),Alternatives for the OlderAdult,Western IllinoisAAA and the Alzheimer’s Association will be on hand to answer questions and guide you through the maze of caregiving issues.

It’s FREE and reservations are not necessary. If you have questions, please call Peggy at Milestones AAA (563) 324- 9085, ext 212.

Peggy Dykes is Community Relations Director at Milestones Area Agncy on Aging. In addition to the phone number above, she can also be reached or at pdykes@milestonesaaa.org.