Time Out for Caregivers

According to the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities:

On Saturday, Sept. 17, the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities’ Family Caregiver Support Program will provide an opportunity for non-professional, unpaid caregivers to take a break from the everyday stress of caregiving. The 10th annual Caregivers’ Wellness Day will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Annapolis Senior Activity Center, 119 S. Villa Ave., Annapolis.

The event is free to anyone caring for a family member, neighbor, or friend in Anne Arundel County. Participants will have the chance to participate in educational sessions focused on caring for you the caregiver, or to spend some quiet time in the center’s beautiful courtyard. No children under 18 years of age will be permitted.

Following check-in registration, breakfast, and time for exhibits at 9 a.m., the event will begin with a welcome and an opening session, “Ecstatically Radiant” with Anne Shums, health and wellness instructor, at 9:30 a.m. Participants can chose among morning sessions starting at 11 a.m.:

            • “Who Are You? Identity and the Caregiver’s Journey” with Mary Fridley, founder of Gero-Resources LLC.

            • “Is My Stress the Boss of Me?” with Anne Shums.

            • “Nutrition for Caregivers – Taking Care of Ourselves!” with Ann Caldwell, registered dietitian, Anne Arundel Medical Center Wellness Department.

            Following lunch and entertainment at 11:45 a.m., afternoon sessions will be held at 1 p.m. Participants can chose one:

            • “Making Music Your Sanctuary” with Carolyn Sonnen, music therapist.

            • “Flexibility and Balance” with Brian Gallagher, physical therapist.

            • “Relax and Renew” with Valerie Weathered, certified integrative yoga therapy instructor.

            At 2:15 p.m. Mary Fridley will present the closing session, “The Gifts of Caregiving,” followed by evaluations.

            Those who arrive by 9:30 a.m. have a chance to win a seated massage by Healing Touch, a hand massage, or acupuncture for stress relief session.

Free in-home and out-of-home respite care will be available. To reserve a slot, call Active Day Center-Pasadena at 410-255-2879 or Active Day Center-Annapolis at 410-573-9100 no later than Sept. 12. Transportation may be available upon request.

            Event sponsors are Heritage Harbour Health and Rehabilitation Center, Sandy Spring Bank, and Active Day Medical Adult Day Care.

            Registration forms are available online at www.aacounty.org/aging or by calling 410-222-4464, Ext. 3043. Register by Sept. 12.