Contact: Peggy Evans Phone: (816) 671-8543
Title:      Assistant Administrator/Residential Services Director
Email:    Peggy.Evans@bhshealth.org

January 7, 2004 – St. Joseph, MO – “Signs of Hope” has been identified as the theme for the next Caregiver’s Forum to be held Feb. 21 from 8:30 a.m. to Noon at the 36th Street Restaurant, 501 North Belt, St. Joseph, MO. Registration and breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $5 per person, but scholarships are available.

Dean Mausolf, MS, of Heartland Health’s Wellness Connection Team, will present “Get Fit with Mental Aerobics” and address the positive effects of mental stimulation and exercise when faced with the challenges of caregiving. Paula Reed will share the signs of hope she has experienced while caring for her husband who has Alzheimer’s disease. And, Bob Randleman, chaplain with Heartland Health, will speak about “Finding Hope.” In addition, the audience will be invited to provide feedback for a community needs assessment for the aging population. A short program by the Halleluiah Chorus will close the morning program. Martha Wakley, coordinator of Faith in Action Interfaith Care Teams, will serve as moderator for the morning.

The Caregiver’s Forum was developed in the fall of 2002 in an effort to provide validation for the journey of caregiving, and as an opportunity to offer information and education by empowering the caregiver. The program is designed to honor the daily commitments made by caregivers with inspiration, humor and advice.
Sponsors include the Alzheimer’s Association, Faith in Action Interfaith Care Teams, Heartland Palliative Care, Heartland Hands of Hope Hospice, Heartland Senior Health Coordinator, Kendallwood Hospice, Living Community of St. Joseph, Office of Minority Health and Senior Services, and Senior Link.

For more information and to register for the Caregiver’s Forum, call (816) 364-4467.