Event to offer advice for caregivers

In any given year, more than 50 million people nationally tend to the long-term medical needs of a relative or friend. They are the foundation of continuing care in the U.S., according to Cecelia Mace, a spokesman for Mercy Medical.

To supply such caregivers with information and advice, the Area Agency on Aging and Mercy Medical are presenting a free conference Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Via! Services, 1717 Dauphin St., Mobile.

"We encourage anyone who is a caregiver to come so they will be better prepared," said Gwen Gay, Alabama Cares coordinator for the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission and Area Agency on Aging.

In Alabama, it is estimated that the majority of the 600,000 caregivers look after those suffering with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, Mace said.

Topics covered at the Friday conference will include a discussion on options to consider when someone can no longer be home alone. It will be presented by staff members from the Grand Friends Program and the Senior Companion Program, among others.

During lunch, which is provided at no charge, staff from Mercy Medical will present detailed information on hospice care, Gay said.

The conference will also provide updates on Medicare and Social Security for 2010.

Social workers and nurses can receive continuing education credits for attending the conference. Participants need to register by today, by calling 251-433-6541.