Monday evening safety conference set

The parking lot was packed at the Golden Hour Senior Center for it Caregiver Conference, which took place last Thursday.

About 170 community members enjoyed a $2 chicken fried steak dinner, which was served by students from Expedition Academy, while listening to presentations, which were presented by the Sweetwater County AARP Community Advocacy Team.

“We had four speakers and tons of resources available,” GHSC activities coordinator Megan Brown said. “It was a very busy, well-attended event.”

During the caregivers conference, attendees listened to a presentation from Sweetwater County Deputy Attorney Jim Schermetzler about the legal issues caregivers face.

Brown said this presentation really opened up the audience-members eyes to issues they may not have even considered before, such as a living will.

Another presentation that went over really well came from Department of Family Services employee Kristi Skinner, which focused on elder abuse. Skinner chose to discuss this sad issue through an upbeat, light and sometime humorous presentation. Brown said she choose a great way to discuss a sensitive topic, but people still learned what they needed to know about elder abuse.

Other presenters were Rachelle Stratton of Deer Trail Assisted Living who talked about the stages of dementia. Something all residents have a hard time listening too.

Brown said Alzheimers and dementia are sad discussions, especially for aging residents and their caregivers.

This conference ended with a panel discussion that was based on the day in the life of the caregiver.

“It was all something they can use in their every day lives,” Brown said.

Monday’s Senior Safety Event

On Monday, Sept. 28, from 5-8 p.m. residents and seniors alike can attend the Senior Safety First program that will cover home, internet and community safety issues.

Although the event is called senior safety, it is open to the entire community, Brown said.

Pre-registration will be taken up until Friday, Sept. 25. This event is open to the first 150 people; and about 65 have already registered. Brown said the reason for the cutoff is the AARP is paying for the free chicken parmesan dinner, which is for 150 people.

Brown said for those who forget to register they can still stop by Monday evening and see if there is a spot open.

“The worst that could happen is we say ‘we’re sorry we’re capped off,’” Brown said.

Some of the topics discussed at this event include, internet scams and safety, Medicare fraud, crime stoppers and elder abuse. There will also be a self-defense demonstration.

Brown said anyone who has a home computer and have the internet will not want to miss the internet safety presentation.

“It’s for the whole community and anyone in the community can benefit from this night,” Brown said. “This program is a way to take charge of your own safety.”

This event is also being presented by the GHSC and AARP; and food is being served by the Union Congregational Church.