Caregiver Services Fair Set For April 29 At SCSU

NEW HAVEN — A program addressing depression, financial difficulties, and other problems that can plague caregivers for the elderly has been planned for April 29 at Southern Connecticut State University.

The proposed SCSU Louis and Joan M. Sirico Center for Elders and Families is coordinating its second annual fair from 9:30 am to 3 pm on April 29 at Moore Field House. This year’s program is entitled, “Caregiver Services Fair: Easing the Burden of Caring for an Elderly Relative.”

“There is a great need for information and support among the elderly and their caregivers,” said Elayne Haymes, co-director of the proposed center and SCSU associate professor of social work. “It is our hope that this fair will help meet those needs.”

Ms Haymes noted that the number of elderly people and their caregivers will only continue to grow during the next 15 years, based on demographic projections.

Four workshops are planned for the day and include the following topics and speakers: “When the Caregiver is Depressed — What to Do,” presented by Connie Mindell, SCSU associate professor of social work; “Financial and Real Estate Concerns — How Caregivers Can Be Prepared,” presented by Teresa Sirico, a realtor and founder of the Sirico Center, and Susan Nobleman, a lawyer; “What Caregivers Should Know About Alzheimer’s Disease,” presented by a speaker to be named shortly; and “Family Support for Caregivers Dealing with Long-Term Chronic Illness,” presented by Mary Purdy, SCSU associate professor of communication disorders and Jane Hindenlang, clinical supervisor for the SCSU Department of Communication Disorders.

A variety of vendors and exhibitors will be open throughout the fair.

The proposed center is a partnership between the university and Ms Sirico, an alumna whose endowed gift is helping to develop a broad range of activities related to elders and their family caregivers and provide education and information to professionals in the field of gerontology via courses, faculty conferences, and a website. It also will create educational and service internships at SCSU in the School of Health and Human Services to train future professionals.

Ms Haymes and Mary Ann Glendon, associate professor of nursing, serve as the co-directors.