United Way of Northern New Jersey Caregivers Coalition will hold a Caregivers Conference on Saturday, September 9, providing area caregivers with access to information and resources critical to their role of caring for a loved one.

Held at the Merrill Creek Visitors Center, 34 Merrill Creek Rd., in Washington from 9 a.m. to 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.

The fourth annual Caregivers Conference in Warren County will explore topics that provide family caregivers with valuable information from local experts and connections to local resources.

“Caregivers often find themselves in this role without preparation or education and all while juggling their own lives,” said United Way Caregivers Coalition Manager Robin Ennis. “United Way is dedicated to ensuring caregivers within our communities have access to the supports and resources they need to sustain themselves as caregivers.”

During the conference caregivers can attend the following worskhops:

• James Seng from St. Luke’s University Health Network will discuss the signs and symptoms of caregiver burnout.
• Laura Hawkins from Alzheimer’s New Jersey will speak about behavior changes that occur in those with Alzheimer’s and ways to cope.
• Attorney Nancy Reading will discuss the importance of living wills, power of attorney, special needs trusts and additional legal documents for loved ones.

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

Copies of the updated 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.

Gold Sponsors for this event are Forest Manor Health Care Center and Warren Haven Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

Conference space is limited. Register by by visiting www.UnitedWayNNJ.org/CaregiversConferenceWarren2017. For more information, email Robin.Ennis@UnitedWayNNJ.org or call 973.993.1160, x 305.

About United Way of Northern New Jersey

United Way of Northern New Jersey is a nonprofit organization working to improve people’s lives and strengthen communities by focusing on Education, Income, and Health.  These are the building blocks for a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job; the tools needed to achieve financial stability; and good health.  We lead caring communities to create long-lasting changes that transform people’s lives.  Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow. United Way of Northern New Jersey serves Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties as well as portions of suburban Essex County, including the Caldwells, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Millburn-Short Hills, Montclair, Roseland, and Verona.  Give.  Advocate.  Volunteer.  LIVE UNITED. To learn more, call 973.993.1160 or visit www.UnitedWayNNJ.org.