The Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter will host its 11th annual Caregivers’ Journey Conference to help personal and professional caregivers develop the understanding and skills necessary to support a person living through the journey of Alzheimer’s or another dementia.  For the first time, the conference will be offered both in-person and virtually. On May 3, attendees are invited to join in-person sessions at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick followed by a day of virtual sessions on May 4. 

The two-day event will feature educational sessions including practical and concrete recommendations, resources, and guidance for caregivers. Family caregiver tracks include Understanding and Managing Behaviors While Caring for Persons with Dementia, Managing Money: A Caregivers’ Guide to Finances, and Keeping the Person in Personal Care. Professional tracks include Differentiating Dementia Disorders, Therapy Approaches to Coordinated Care for Clients with Dementia, and Strength Based Model of Care.

 “Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia often involves a team of people. Whether you are a family member providing daily caregiving, or a professional caring for individuals with dementia in long-term and community-based settings, this conference will help provide tools and best practices to support those navigating their journey with the disease,” said Donna McGowan, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter.

 The keynote speaker is Amy Goyer, AARP’s national Family and Caregiving expert and author of Juggling Life, Working and Caregiving. A passionate champion for caregivers, Goyer has been one her entire adult life, caring for her grandparents, parents, and sister. She has more than 35 years of experience working in the field of aging, and shares her personal caregiving journey, as well as practical, actionable tips for caregivers in her columns and videos.

The Caregivers' Journey Conference is open to the public. It is free of cost for family caregivers (anyone caring for a loved one, family member, friend, etc.), but there is a fee for professional caregivers. For registration visit: https://www.cjcalzri.com

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are 24,000 Rhode Island residents aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s. That number is expected to grow to 27,000 by 2025 – a 12.5 % increase. There are currently more than 39,000 residents in Rhode Island serving as unpaid family caregivers providing an estimated total of 50 million hours of care.