20th annual conference provides support and resources to unpaid caregivers

Registration is now open for the 20th annual Washington County Family Caregiver Conference. The free event will take place on Friday, October 27, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Washington Street Conference Center, located on the ground floor of the parking structure at 102 SW Washington Street in Hillsboro. This conference is specifically for unpaid family and friend caregivers who are caring for an older adult or anyone with dementia. It is not intended for professional or paid caregivers.

“Our Family Caregiver Support Program is so proud and excited to offer this 20th annual conference,” Program Coordinator Shannon Baggerman said. “Whether you are just starting out as a family caregiver or have been providing care for many years, this conference is for you.”

Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici will provide opening remarks.

The morning workshop, presented by Tim Nay, JD, MSW, elder law attorney with Law Offices of Nay & Friedenberg, will discuss legal considerations for family caregivers. Participants will learn ways they and the person in their care can take control in decision-making for finances, health care and estate planning.

The lunchtime keynote presenter is Loretta Veney, author of Being My Mom’s Mom. Veney, a Maryland resident who has been featured in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, will share insights and valuable lessons learned from 16 years of caregiving. While the keynote has been recorded specifically for this conference, a virtual Q&A session with Veney will be conducted live.

The afternoon workshop will be led by Joan Laguzza, MSW, LCSW, who specializes in working with older adults, individuals living with mental illness, and life transitions related to aging or loss of ability. Caregivers will learn skills they can use right away, including how to cope with being emotionally overwhelmed, how to identify and accept appropriate help and support, and how to better manage expectations and disappointments.

Lunch will be provided. Space is limited to 50-60 attendees, and registration is required. Visit https://bit.ly/2023_conference to register or call 503-846-3089 for more information. If you need an interpreter or other accommodations, call 503-846-3090 by October 13.

In addition to the conference, a free resource fair for unpaid friend and family caregivers will take place at the Beaverton City Library on Monday, November 13, from 3:30-6 p.m. More than 20 community programs will be on hand to provide support and resources to caregivers.

The Family Caregiver Support Program is part of Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services, a division of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Pictured here is Loretta Veney with her mother.