Cary Medical Center and the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging will be sponsoring a ‘Caregiver Celebration’ at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center on Friday evening, Nov. 18 from 4 – 7 p.m. This event will feature a Healthy Heart Buffet, health screenings and exhibits. Individuals caring for loved ones with chronic disease, memory loss, dementia, or other illness are invited to attend. Sharon Berz of the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging stated that the celebration is designed to provide a relaxing and helpful program for those who care for others.
“The caregiver celebration is something we have done in the past and people have really enjoyed it,” said Berz who has worked with the Area Agency for more than 30 years. “We want caregivers to come and relax, enjoy the socialization, healthy food and learn about resources available to them. We are pleased to partner with Cary Medical Center and the Healthy Hearts Program as well as the Alzheimer’s Project,” she added.
A number of health-related programs will be offered at the event including exhibits on colo-rectal cancer, diabetes and nutrition. Blood pressure screening will also be offered as well as chair massage, breast cancer information, along with numerous other exhibitors.
Bill Flagg, director of community relations and development at Cary, said that the caregivers event is something well deserved by those who provide support to individuals with chronic illness.
“Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, helping someone who is recovering from a stroke or supporting someone with lung disease, diabetes or another ailment puts great stress on the caregiver,” said Flagg who facilitates the Cary Alzheimer’s Support Group. “We are delighted to be part of this program and to try and provide respite for caregivers. They will learn about resources available to them and to remember that as a caregiver they can not forget about how important it is to manage their own health and stay strong.”
A number of agencies will be participating in the caregiver celebration and the first 100 attendees will receive a free tote bag. The project is being sponsored in part by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and the AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation Community Connections for Cardiovascular Health.
