Caregivers have access to hope, help with Family Caregiver Fair
For those balancing the responsibilities of work and caregiving for an aging, disabled or chronically ill relative or friend, Human Resources WorkLife Programs is sponsoring the eighth annual Family Caregiver Fair on May 8.
Six out of 10 family caregivers are employed, meaning a majority of those caring for a friend or loved one are juggling tasks for work and home. Eleven percent of caregivers report that caregiving has caused a decline in their physical health, and research at the University of California shows that many family caregivers experiencing extreme stress have aged prematurely.
A caregiver's role is vitally important -- and the burdens can be high. The Family Caregiver Fair is a resource aimed at helping caregivers by offering help for their situation and hope for the future.
The fair provides a variety of experts, ranging from campus and community experts to local businesses, to answer questions and provide information.
Information will be available on advocacy/legal services, assisted living/nursing care, caregiver support, disability services, financial planning /retirement, home health care, medication management, nutrition information, respite care and senior programs.
More than $2,000 in door prizes will be given away, including services and special treats for caregivers, thanks to donations from area merchants. The Rejuvenation Station returns for its second year, providing healthy snacks for caregivers and staffed by WorkLife Programs registered dietitian Linda Monahan.
"The Family Caregiver Fair started eight years ago in Hillenbrand Hall's conference room, which housed 10 vendors and about 55 attendees," says Branna Shores, worklife specialist with WorkLife Programs, who coordinates the fair each year. "The 2011 fair featured 56 vendors and saw more than 250 attendees in its two-hour duration, but the focus remains the same -- to provide as many references and resources to caregivers as possible in one location over their lunch hour."
The event is free and open to the campus and community and will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Purdue Memorial Union, South Ballroom. Campus attendees are asked to bring their PUID.
A postcard with details on the Family Caregiver Fair was sent to campus addresses this week. For more information, contact WorkLife Programs at 49-45461 or visit www.purdue.edu/hr/WorkLife/elderCare.html.
