Being a caregiver is a difficult and evolving position, but a free conference at Southern Illinois University Carbondale this month will provide support and resources to help family members, professionals, students and others to acquire essential tools and information.
“Destination Healthy Aging: Transforming Our Workforce and Caregivers” is set for 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 23 at the Student Center, 1255 Lincoln Drive. The event will cover a wide array of topics and provide information in a variety of ways, organizers say.
SIU’s gerontology graduate certificate program and the Southern Illinois Pioneer Coalition are partnering to present the comprehensive and informative day of guest speakers, breakout sessions, practical skills training and more.
Variety of topics
Illinois Lt. Gov. Julianna Straton will present the opening address, and Denise Brown will deliver the keynote speech, “A Framework for Caregiving through Stages of Caregiving,” filled with insights and tools to help people navigate the caregiving journey.
Sessions throughout the day will cover topics, including:
- Understanding the importance of caregivers and caregiver intervention.
- Navigating the many stages of caregiving.
- Creating age-friendly caregiving communities.
- Implementing people-centered care strategies.
- Reinventing life after caregiving.
- Recognizing when caregiving isn’t enough and exploring additional resources.
- Substances abuse interventions for caregivers and those they care for.
- Advocating at the grassroots level for better programs and services.
Breakfast and lunch are provided, and participants will also enjoy giveaways and raffles.
Sign up now
Elaine Jurkowski, SIU gerontology program director and social work professor, and Linda Renee Baker, university professor at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute,conceived the idea for the conference while brainstorming ways to engage the community with practical skills training and policy initiatives in areas that would have a positive impact on their lives. Jurkowski’s expertise involves addressing gaps in services and program development, exploring “when caregiving is not enough,” while Baker coordinates a legislative update on caregiving bills and strategies for advocacy.
They said caregivers, professionals, community partners, students and anyone with an interest in the older adult population will find the conference of interest.
Space is limited, so people are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible to secure a spot. Attendees can register online, email gerontology@siu.edu or call Tina at 618-985-8311. Participants can earn five continuing education units.
Students help plan
SIU students have also been involved in helping plan the conference, which will feature a vendor fair as well.
“We are thrilled to host this conference, bringing together caregivers, experts and policymakers to address the pressing issues facing our aging population,” said GeVonna Fassett, a master’s student in social work and the certificate in gerontology. “With a diverse range of sessions and speakers to learn from, participants will leave feeling empowered and equipped to make a positive impact in their roles as caregivers, advocates or future professionals.”
