The Maryland Respite Care Coalition is hosting this year's conference in Baltimore, October 24-27. Click here for more information
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Congratulations to the California Respite Assn. for hosting a great 2009 National Respite Conference!
Click here for access to the presentations:
http://www.bayrespitecare.org/NationalConference2009
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Highlights of the 2008 National Respite
Conference in Des Moines, Iowa
The annual National Lifespan Respite Conference, "Home Grown; Cultivating Caregivers" was hosted by the Iowa Respite and Crisis Care Coalition and its planning team, in collaboration with ARCH National Respite Network in Des Moines, Iowa on September 4-6, 2008. Presenters received high praise from more than 350 participants. Here are a few of the presentations that were offered during the three-day event:
An Odyssey for Respite
This hands-on, interactive session provides caregivers and providers the tools to sharpen their grass-roots advocacy skills, knowledge of the state and national legislative process and strategies for influencing and educating policymakers.
Jill Kagan, Chair, ARCH National Respite Coalition
Supporting Consumers & Caregivers Through Waiver Services
An overview of waivers in Iowa, waiver eligibility issues and utilization of waiver supports. This included information regarding how waivers were started, parameters of respite care supports - what can and can not be funded - and also the utilization of a new service option called Consumer Choices Option.
Sherry Stowe, Home and Community Based Specialist
Wanting to Hide and Other Behaviors That May Indicate Compassion Fatigue
This workshop supports professionals in the human services arena and caregivers of family, friends and neighbors across the lifespan. Defining and identifying Compassion Fatigue is the first step in moving toward healing of self and supporting others in the same goal. This presentation included an overview of current information on the topic and an interactive dialog with the audience on developing a self-care plan for recharging and renewal.
Dorinda Adams, MSW, LGSW, Program Manager, Office of Adult Services Maryland Department of Human Resources
Roberta Lehman, MS, Executive Director, Agape Respite Care
Growing and Sustaining a Local Caregiver Coalition
This session addressed the community impact and participation needed to create and sustain a local caregiver coalition. It includes examples of what has worked for the South Central Town Hall Coalition; how it was created, sustaining and expanding membership, planning and funding programs and events, and the ongoing expansion and growth of the coalition.
Jinx Hackler, Respite Care Coordinator
Nichole Bryant, Midland Area Agency on Aging
This panel presentation addressed the "why" and "how to" of the 20 year Iowa Crisis Child Care Programs. This innovative, home-grown program has provided thousands of hours of care during family emergencies so will share information and offer tips on how to develop a program in your area.
Jana Enfield, Executive Director, Child Abuse Prevention Services
Ann McQuerry, Crisis Child Care Manager, Hawkeye Area Community Action Program
Lou Ann Mowrey, Executive Director, Family Resource Services
Brenda Ristvedt, LSW, Agency Director, Buchanan County Volunteer Services, Inc.
Information on devices that help with daily living activities, starting in the morning and progressing thru the day. Examples included low tech and inexpensive devices as well as more sophisticated high tech devices. Information about additional resources were also be shared.
Gary Johnson - Community Programs Coordinator, Iowa Program for Assistive Technology
Walking in someone's shoes is the best way to truly understand and relate to the various aspects and myriad of emotions inherent to the challenge of raising a child with a disability and the crucial role of respite in that scenario. The presentation will enable attendees to get a clear view of both sides of the fence -- that of the recipient and the provider.
Barb Hardy, Parent and Respite Care Provider, Urbandale, Iowa
This sessions focuses on the value of the family caregiver, who is the backbone of the long term care industry. Participants will learn that their first priority is to take care of themselves, how to develop coping skills for the hard times, understanding the value of journaling and being committed to staying well.
Bonnie Danowski, Family Caregiver/Consumer Advocate, Arizona Lifespan Respite Network
Learn how to recruit, train, and retain staff and volunteers to provide respite for children and young adults with autism in your region. As the number of individuals diagnosed with autism continues to grow, so does the need for respite services. Individuals with autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities often have unique sensory, communication and behavioral needs that require careful planning, development and implementation of respite service. Learn about 3 innovative respite programs that utilize volunteers, skilled staff or a combination of both to meet the needs of individuals with autism in a "One size doesn't fit all" approach!
Mary Jo Alimena Caruso, M.Ed., The CareBreak at the Watson Institute, Sewickley, Pennsylvania
State Lifespan Programs: A View from Experience and Look to the Future
Presentations from the oldest and newest lifespan programs. This session will take participants through the process of forming coalitions, developing legislation, and getting up a Lifespan Respite Program signed into law in your own state. It will stress the relationships required to get the job done and then set in place safeguards to protect the program.
This session highlights the participation in a Dementia Specific Community Program that addresses behavioral issues, apathy, and identifying unmet needs of people with dementia as an effective solution to alleviate depression, anguish, and apathy in both the caregiver and person with dementia.
Gail Sonnesso
, MS Founder and Executive Director of GEM Adult Services, Nags Head, North Carolina
Understand the importance of respite care in a rural community and the effort and collaboration needed to initiate and sustain a respite program for persons with Alzheimer's disease. Examples of activities people experiencing Alzheimer's disease can do will be discussed.
Terry Hornbuckle, LBSW, Iowa Department of Elder Affairs, Des Moines, IA
Jaleyn Dobbs, LPN, Area XIV Agency on Aging, Creston, IA
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National Conference Highlights 
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