Conference to provide legal, financial advice and more for caregivers

On Wednesday, April 16, Wayne State University Shiffman Medical Library Outreach Services is presenting "Conversations for Caregivers," an all day conference featuring a panel discussion, forum and breakout sessions that will connect caregivers to legal, financial, healthcare, long-term care and research experts who will help demystify the roles and responsibilities of caregivers. The event takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit's cultural center. The panel and session leaders will include Wayne State professors, social workers, physicians, and attorneys that will speak on topics including avoiding legal and financial pitfalls, communication between physicians, patients and families, psychosocial needs of caregivers and more. "People are often surprised at the resources that are available," said Shiffman Medical Librarian LaVentra Ellis-Danquah. "It makes an incredible difference when caregivers can get the help that they need close to home." According to the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging, citizens may be one of the state's 1.2 million caregivers if they are an unpaid family member or friend who assists an older adult or a person with a disability with any of their daily living activities. Many who find themselves in these circumstances may not identify themselves as caregivers. The event is free and open to the public but registration is required. To register or for more information, including a full list of the sessions offered, go to guides.lib.wayne.edu/shiffmanoutreach or contact LaVentra Ellis-Danquah at 313-577-9083 or laventra@wayne.edu. Published: Wed, Apr 9, 2014