Senior seminar aims to inform caregivers

The Senior Citizens Council is holding a seminar and panel discussion aimed to inform caregivers of aging or ailing parents.

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The first event of the council's Life Enrichment Series is slated for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Wesley United Methodist Church in Evans.

The seminar is designed to pass long successful caregiving strategies from experts, said Kathleen Ernce, the council executive director and advocacy programs director.

Ernce said caregivers, who usually are taking on the task for the first time, often call the council for information.

"All the time," Ernce said. "Every day."

Most people don't know what to do when they are informed their aging or ailing parent can no longer live alone.

Caregiving is a labor of love, but one that is often thrust upon a family member.

"They have nowhere to turn (for information)," Ernce said. "If they ask questions, they are not asking the right questions or receiving the right information.

Caregivers wanting guidance often ask questions of people who aren't experts.

Experts from several area agencies including hospice, financial planning and ministry will give presentations including "From the Front Lines -- the Voice of a Successful Caregiver," "Home Care CAN Work for You and Your Loved One," "Last Wishes (estate planning)," VIP (Power of attorney documents and insurance papers)," "Financial Readiness," and "Giving Faith a Fighting Chance."

"We want this to be as informative as possible, in a nonthreatening manner," Ernce said. "This way the audience will be able to ask questions. Bring questions, by all means."

Ernce said many caregivers encounter new, and often uncomfortable, situations such as how a male caregiver can give his mother a bath with the dignity of both people remaining intact.

The seminar is free and open to the public. Ernce said space is limited, so registration is required. For more information, call (706) 868-0120 or visit www.seniorcitizenscouncil.org.