County to Host Annual Caregiver Conference

Hackensack, NJ – County Executive James J. Tedesco, III, the County Board of Commissioners, and the Bergen County Department of Human Services announce that the County’s Division of Senior Service/ADRC’s Annual Fall Caregivers Conference will take place on Saturday, Saturday, October 14, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the County Administration Building in the 5th floor Commissioners’ Meeting Room, One Bergen County Plaza, Hackensack, NJ 07601. Admission to the conference is free but advanced registration is encouraged.

The conference will feature workshops There will be workshops throughout the day. In between the sessions, attendees will also be able to visit representatives to get information about Medicaid, Medicare, and other services and support available to residents through the Bergen County Divisions of Senior Services and Disability Services.   Exhibit tables are open throughout the program until 2:00pm

The agenda is as follows:

9:30am – 10:15am  

Registration

10:15am – 10:30am  

Welcome Session

10:30am – 11:00am  

“Managing Challenging Behaviors”   Kenneth Zaentz, CFRE, President  & CEO--Alzheimer’s New Jersey

11:00am--12:00pm  

“Legal Considerations for Caregivers”  Adriana Wos-Mysliwiec, Esq., Hackensack

12:00pm – 12:15pm   

intermission to visit the exhibit tables

12:15pm – 12:45 pm  

“Palliative Care & Beyond”   Lauren Van Saders, Valley Hospital

12:45 pm – 1:15 pm  

“Care for the Caregiver”  Stephanie Drag, MA, LAC, Assoc. VP, Prevention, at the Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources, Children’s Aid and Family Services

1:15pm – 2:00 pm  

Visit the exhibit tables

Featured exhibitors include: 

Act Now Alzheimer’s Resource Center; BC Division of Senior Services; State Health Insurance Program (Medicare);BC Division of Senior Services Advisory Council Education & Outreach Committee/CCBC; Heightened Independence and Progress; BC Board of Social Services/Adult Protective Services.

Stress Relief Activity will be “energy tapping” with Elizabeth Gioffre

There are an estimated 100,000 caregivers in Bergen County, caring for loved ones of all ages with chronic illnesses or disabilities.  Family, friends, or neighbors may care for an aging parent, a sibling with mental illness, or a child or spouse with a disability.  Caregivers may care for their loved one full-time, part-time or long distance.

“Caregivers are the unsung heroes of our communities- dedicating their time and love to those in need.”, says Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco, III. “The County of Bergen’s Annual Caregivers Conference is such an integral resource that equips our caregivers with the tools and resources necessary to not only support themselves but provide the best possible care for their loved ones. We are proud to present this opportunity to the caregivers of Bergen County as a reminder that we are always here to help.”

"Caring for someone is a profound act of love and dedication, but it also comes with its unique set of challenges. Caregivers are the unsung heroes who selflessly navigate these challenges daily, embodying the true meaning of compassion and sacrifice,” said Bergen County Commissioner Chairman Tom Sullivan. “Their unwavering commitment is a testament to the power of human kindness, and they deserve our utmost appreciation and support. We are proud that this conference does exactly that by assisting these remarkable individuals, empowering them with valuable knowledge about essential services and resources available to caregivers in Bergen County.”

For more information, contact Bergen County Senior Services at 201-336-7400.