The Camden County Board of Commissioners brought together the community and experts on Oct. 24 for an Alzheimer’s Caregiver Symposium.
Designed to provide essential resources and support for those caring for Alzheimer’s patients, the symposium attracted health-care professionals and local advocates at the county’s Office of Sustainability and Shared Services in Gloucester Township. Speakers included Jim Cucinotta, a Volunteer Community Educator with the Alzheimer’s Association; Dr. Jesse Abesh, of Rowan University’s New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging; and Koren Norwood, director of the Health Education Unit at the county’s Department of Health and Human Services.
Their expertise was aimed at addressing the challenges of caregiving by providing insight into Alzheimer’s as well as practical advice. Attendees also learned about various aspects of care, including its emotional and psychological toll.
“Stepping into a caregiving position for someone suffering with Alzheimer’s can feel incredibly overwhelming and isolating,” county Commissioner Melinda Kane emphasized. “But through community events such as the Caregiver Symposium, it is our hope to offer some guidance and support to caregivers across Camden County and the region.”
The symposium’s other key topics included managing stress and the importance of caregiver advocacy. Cucinotta discussed the various stages of Alzheimer’s and how understanding them can help caregivers prepare for challenges. He also emphasized that knowledge is power: The more caregivers understand the disease, the better equipped they are to provide care.
Another focal point of the symposium was the concept of respite care, which enables primary caregivers to take a break that can be crucial for their mental and physical well-being.
“Taking time for yourself is not a luxury, it’s a necessity,” explained Dr. Mukta Bansal, who urged caregivers to prioritize their own health.
The symposium also featured breakout sessions where attendees could engage in discussions about specific challenges. Topics included effective communication strategies with loved ones experiencing cognitive decline, legal and financial planning for long-term care and self-care techniques for caregivers. Local organizations – among them Senior Citizens United Community Services in Audubon – offered additional resources.
The Alzheimer’s event served as a reminder of the growing need for comprehensive support systems for caregivers, especially as the population ages. There are more than six million Americans currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects memory, thinking and behavior and is the most common cause of dementia,.
In closing the symposium, Kane reiterated the county’s commitment to supporting caregivers who are its residents.
“We will continue to seek out opportunities to connect caregivers with the resources they need to navigate this journey,” she assured the audience.
For more information about Alzheimer’s care and local resources, contact the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services or visit the Alzheimer’s Association’s website.
