5th Annual Caregiver Conference

The Howard County Office on Aging & Independence is pleased to offer its 5th annual Caregiver Conference, The Caregiver Journey: A Universal Voyage.

Thank You to our Sponsors

Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, Integrace at Cooper Ridge, Personal Home Care, Right At Home, and The Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant.

Keynote Presenter

This year’s conference features a keynote presentation by Nicole Absar, M.D. Dr. Absar is the Medical Director of the Senator William and Ellen Proxmire Memory Clinic at Integrace Copper Ridge. She is a diplomate in behavioral neurology and neuropsychiatry. Additionally, she is a registered yoga teacher who specializes in Yoga Therapy for brain disorders.

Conference Format

The conference is a 3-track format. Each track will have 5 breakout sessions geared to all attendees. Topics will range from legal preparations, navigating community resources, medication management, elder protection, problem-specific issues, to communicating and coping with the individual experiencing behavior changes, palliative and hospice care and many more.

The Connections Social Day Program staff will provide free respite care for  for adults 18 years and older with a disability, or those 50 and older who can toilet themselves (sorry, we are unable to care for children under 18).

CERTIFICATION — This training module qualifies for 3.5 Category I Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) by the Board of Social Work Examiners of Maryland. The professional must remain for the entire day to earn 3.5 CEU's. Partial CEU's cannot be granted.

Includes continental breakfast; lunch; seminars and handouts; access to 20 industry-relevant exhibitors; goody bag and multiple chances to win great door prizes! Lunch will include both vegan and vegetarian options.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Will walk-in registration be available on the day of the event?

We strongly prefer participants to register in advance. We cannot guarantee that additional tickets will be available on the day of the conference. We will not be able to accept additional respite attendees the day of the conference.

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

Conference and respite participants must be a minimum of 18 years of age. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate children under the age of 18 for liability and capacity reasons. While we love children, if young ones under 18 are brought to the conference we will sadly have to turn them away at the door. 

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

There is sufficient onsite parking at the Gary J. Arthur Community Center. Neighbor Ride is an alternative for participants 60 years and older. An individual must register with Neighbor Ride and sign up for a ride at least 3 full days in advance. This is a paid service. Another alternative for participants 60 years and older is Columbia Association's Senior Event Shuttle (see website for details). Other options include taxi, Uber and Lyft.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

For questions you can contact Ernestine Thomas, Caregiver Support Specialist 410-313-5969 or by e-mail ethomas@howardcountymd.gov. 

What's the refund policy?

Refunds are only available until 4:00 p.m. Friday March 24, 2017. E-mail your request to mhoffman@howardcountymd.gov. It may take 5 business days for your refund to process.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

It is preferable to have either a paper or electronic copy of your ticket. 

Can I update my registration information?

Yes, you can revise your information once you have completed your initial registration. 

Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?

You may transfer your ticket as long as the infomation is changed in the Eventbrite system or you contact Ms. Thomas to inform her of the change. 

Why am I being asked to give personal information like my age?