VPAS TO HOST SIXTH ANNUAL CONFIDENT CAREGIVER CONFERENCE

Harrisonburg, Va. – In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) will present its sixth annual Confident Caregiver Conference on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Blue Ridge Community College in Weyers Cave.

The free conference will bring together family caregivers, professionals, and community members for a day of education, connection, and practical tools for navigating the challenges of caring for a loved one.

Dr. Aaron Blight, founder of Caregiving Kinetics, will present “From Mindset to Mindshift,” exploring how caregivers can learn, grow, and adapt as their loved one’s health and care needs change. Loretta Veney will lead “Serious Lego Play,” an interactive workshop designed to bring joy, hope, and connection to care partners.

A caregiver panel featuring Dr. Blight, local Ombudsman John Brownlee, and Katie Ray, nurse practitioner with Sentara RMH Palliative Care, will offer expertise and insight on improving quality of life for both caregivers and their loved ones. Improv sessions will also show attendees how to transform common caregiver scenarios.

Nearly 1 in 4 Virginians provide unpaid care to an older parent, spouse, or other loved one. The demands of caregiving can affect their health, careers, finances, and family life. As the number of older adults in the region grows, the need for family caregivers - and for support for those caregivers - is expected to grow as well.

“Caregiving is a role most family members take on without preparation or help,” said Beth Bland, VPAS executive director. “Many are struggling and may not realize how many resources are available to them. This conference recognizes the vital contributions of family caregivers while giving them information, insight, and tools to help them navigate the journey.”

The conference is open to the public and includes lunch. Space is limited, and registration is required. Register here or call 540-615-5341.

VPAS empowers adults 60 years and over – and their caregivers - with the resources and opportunities they need to lead engaged lives. With information and referral services, Medicare counseling, senior transportation, health and recreational programming, meal delivery, and case management available throughout five counties in the Shenandoah Valley, VPAS has been serving older adults and their families for more than 50 years.