Free caregivers seminar

Lake Regional Health System will host the free seminar, “How to Care for Loved Ones at Home” from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, in the hospital’s third floor conference rooms. Lunch will be provided.

“More than 65 million family members currently care for a loved one at home,” said Billye Bennett, R.N., Lake Regional community education coordinator. “This free program offers important information to help them in this vital health care role.”

 “How to Care for Loved Ones at Home” will be presented by Lake Regional staff from the dietitian, social work, home health and physical therapy departments. Topics will include medication, home and oxygen safety; meal preparation; healthy eating; personal care; lifting and transferring techniques; community resources; dressing changes; infection control; and infusion therapy.

 In addition, caregivers will learn how to manage legal and financial issues, as well as difficult behaviors of dementia patients. They also will learn about ways to cope with stress, depression and loss.

 “Caregivers often ignore their own needs when they care for someone they love,” said Susan Major, MSW, LCSW, director of Social Work Services at Lake Regional. “By taking time for themselves, caregivers will live more balanced lives and take even better care of their loved ones.”

 Participants will receive Family Caregiving, a book and companion DVD published by the American Red Cross.

 Registration is required by Tuesday, March 12. Visit lakeregional.com/events to register, or call 573-348-8222 for more information.

 In addition to the seminar, Lake Regional offers a monthly support group for area residents who are caring for loved ones at home. The Caregivers Support Group meets at 3 p.m. the last Thursday of each month in the Resource Room at Lake Regional Cancer Center in Osage Beach.

 The meetings, facilitated by Lake Regional Chronic Condition Coordinator Jo Fogarty, R.N., offer caregivers an opportunity to meet with others who are experiencing similar circumstances and provide information on available resources and other topics of interest.  

 For more information on the support group, contact Fogarty at 573-342-2240.