Are you caring for an aging relative, spouse, neighbor or friend with things that they can no longer do on their own? Providing care for a loved one in need may bring great joy, but can also present concerns and challenges throughout the journey. Individuals in an “informal” caregiver role provide thousands of hours of support and service each year, and deserve to be recognized and celebrated during National Family Caregiver Month. The annual Caregiver Retreat, sponsored by Waushara County Department of Aging and the Caregiver Coalition Team, is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, 2019. This is an opportunity for unpaid caregivers to gather to share ideas and learn new information, relax and have fun, and be pampered for just a few hours. The event will take place at Dakota Town Hall, N1470 State Road 22, Wautoma. This year’s retreat will focus on ways to make life easier with limited time, accepting the role of caregiving, and maintaining happiness and gratitude throughout the journey. Valerie Ladwig, Registered Dietitian, will demonstrate quick and easy recipes for snacks and meals on the go. Amanda Kutcher, Health Promotion Coordinator, will provide tips to fitting exercise into your day. Martha Bechard, the new Caregiver Coordinator, will discuss actions for happiness. And, Wayne Waedekin, 2015 Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver of the Year, will share a story about embracing the challenges in a caregiver role. Registration opens at 10am, and the program will run from 10:30am to 1:30pm with a lasagna lunch served at noon. This event is free for all informal caregivers. To register, call (920) 787-0403 or 1-877-364-5344 toll-free. Respite and transportation assistance is available if arrangements are made by November 5.
(Waushara Area Chamber of Commerce)