Planning is underway for the 17th Annual Upper Cumberland Senior and Caregiver Expo, hosted by the Upper Cumberland Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD), with big changes on the horizon.

This year, the expo will be held at Life Church at 2223 N. Washington Ave. in Cookeville from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 and for the first time will offer information about caring for individuals of all ages.

The regional event has typically focused on the care of older adults. This year’s theme “Engage at Every Age” will address care-giving of individuals from birth to older adults and will provide an opportunity for caregivers, seniors, and those seeking care for children or a loved one to connect with businesses and service providers.

“I’m excited about this year’s theme ‘Engage at Every Age’ because we are going to be able to provide more information for all ages,” stated Clare Farless, Family Caregiver Manager for AAAD.

Attendees will be able to visit booths of businesses and organizations from around the region to gather information and resources related to health care, personal care, home health, assisted living, long term care and services benefiting infants to older adults.

Caregiver training will also be offered following the expo from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Topics covered will include information on safe patient handling for home caregivers, how to prevent falls and caring for individuals with arthritis. Training will include the use of lifts and assistive devices.

Platinum sponsors for the expo include Quality of Families, Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Saint Thomas Hospital, NHC HealthCare Cookeville, Heritage Point, Home Instead Senior Care, Home Caregivers, Relative Caregiver Program, Bailey Manor, Life Care Center of Crossville and Sparta and Habitat for Humanity.

With this year’s lifespan focused theme, organizers invite businesses and service providers catering to children to sign up for the event. The application deadline for new platinum sponsors is September 3, 2018.

The Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD), a division of the Upper Cumberland Development District, connects older adults and adults with disabilities in the 14-county Upper Cumberland region with services and resources to improve their quality of life. Find AAAD on the web at www.ucdd.org and at facebook.com/UCDDconnect.

 

Pictured From Left: Bob Sotis, Life Church; Candi Raney, Bailey Manor; Isabeau Strader, Home Instead; Holly Williams, UCAAAD; Clare Farless, UCAAAD; Shannon MacFarquhar, Heritage Point Senior Living; Sara Martin, Home Instead; Candie Power, CRMC; Kayla Beth Adams, NHC; and Vickie Beck, UCDD/RCP