Flint Township View

Caregivers Gratitude Week events planned for Nov 5-8




FLINT TWP. — In keeping with November as National Caregivers Month, the Nancy DeKatch Caregivers Institute will host its fourth annual Caregivers Gratitude Week, Nov. 5-8 at Riverside Tabernacle, 429 Chavez Drive in Flint, according to a press release.

Currently in the United States there are an estimated 1.3 million youth caregivers and 66.3 million adult caregivers, most of whom have little or no support and are facing imminent burnout, according to the press release.

Caregivers Week is designed to provide support to family caregivers of all ages. Four days of planned events will recognize youth, adults and military “hidden hero” caregivers.

Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein, will be the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5. He will share his personal story of overcoming obstacles. The event is free and open to the public but request reserved seating by calling 810-399- 9400.

Friday, Nov. 6 is designated Adult Caregivers Day. The conference theme is “Caregiver Personal Selfcare, Health, Wellness and Healing.” Registration is at 9 a.m. and the conference beginning at 9:30 a.m. includes lectures and make-it-take-it classes. An exclusive 2016 Caregiver Budget & Tax Organizer book will be available for purchase. The suggested donation for admission is $10. Advance registrations are being taken at 810-399-9940.

Following the conference, a Caregivers Night Out Pizza Party will be held in the lower level of the church with entertainment provided by TJ Craven. Admission is $10.

Saturday is designated Youth Caregivers Day. A pancake breakfast will be served from 8-10 a.m., at a cost of $5 per plate for children ages four and up and free to those younger.

The Kid Conference starts at 10 a.m. Motivational speakers will cover topics including “Don’t Bully the Kid Who Cares.” A mini laboratory will be set up with slides showing the difference been a cancerous cell and a healthy one. Smoker’s lung organ samples also will be displayed.

Morris Peterson, retired NBA players from Flint, will be the featured celebrity guest at 2 p.m. A $4 donation is suggested.

November 8 is designated First National Family Caregivers Sunday. A free praise and worship service from 3-5:30 p.m. will feature Elder Law Attorney Carol Thomas, playing the piano.

She was crowned Ms. Senior Michigan in 2014 and first runner-up in Ms.. Senior America. A cake and punch reception will follow. Reserved seating is requested.

The annual Caregivers Campaign also is seeking nominations for “Ambush a Caregiver,’’ an open competition to recognize a deserving caregiver with a special day including flowers, candy and a ticket to a oneday respite retreat. Visiting Respite Service will provide in-home care to give the chosen caregiver a break. The winner will be announced November 30 and the respite outing will take place in mid-January 2016.

For nominating forms and more information about the event, visit the Caregivers’ web site at ndci-inc.org/


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