United Way of Northern New Jersey’s Caregivers Coalition will hold a Caregivers Conference on Saturday, Sept. 28, providing area caregivers with access to information, resources and support critical to their role of caring for a loved one.

Held at the Merrill Creek Visitors Center, 34 Merrill Creek Road in Washington, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., the free conference will provide presentations and resources to help unpaid caregivers who assist loved ones of any age who are ill, frail or living with a disability or mental illness. Complimentary breakfast will be provided.

The conference will explore topics that provide family caregivers with valuable information from local experts and connections to local resources.

“Caregiving is often a role we find ourselves in without much warning or preparation. It’s easy to become overwhelmed,” said United Way Caregivers Coalition Manager Robin Ennis. “By offering this free conference, United Way is providing caregivers with the support and information they need to navigate a challenging time.”

During the conference caregivers can attend the following presentations:

• Funeral Planning: An Informative Message About a Tough Subject, presented by Rich Maguire Jr. of Warren Hills Memorial Home.

• An Inside Look: Secrets to a Better and Safer Hospital Stay and Getting the Most from a Visit with the Doctor, led by geriatrician Dr. Frank Gilly.

• Caregiver Stress: Learn How Chinese Medicine Can Help Alleviate It, presented by Terri Rintz, a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, a licensed acupuncturist and the owner of Center Point Wellness.

The Coalition brings together caregivers, medical professionals, social service agencies, businesses and other community groups to support unpaid caregivers.

Copies of United Way Caregivers Coalition’s “Pathways for Caregivers” will also be available. This free guide contains information, ideas and support for providing care for loved ones. There are separate sections on aging, disabilities and mental health issues, as well as information on veteran services. The guide is also available online at  www.UnitedWayNNJ.org/CaregiverTools.

Caregivers are the family members and friends who help their loved ones with a range of tasks from paying bills or driving to doctors, to personal care such as bathing and dressing, to medical care such as administering medication.

This year’s sponsors are Abilities of Northwest Jersey, Atlantic Home Care & Hospice, Bentley Commons at Paragon Village, The Chelsea at Brookfield, Country Meadows of Forks, Genesis HealthCare: Phillipsburg Cluster, Hackettstown Medical Center, Heath Village Retirement Community, Home Instead Senior Care, Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, Visiting Homemaker Services of Warren County, Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey and Warren Haven Rehabilitation & Nursing Center.

Conference space is limited. Register by September 20 by visiting www.UnitedWayNNJ.org/CaregiversConferenceWarren2019. For more information, email Robin.Ennis@UnitedWayNNJ.org or call 973.993.1160, x305.