Caregivers across the state gathered in Durham today for the annual Duke Caregiver Community Event.
Nicole Clagett, Duke Health Director of Caregiver Support, said more than 2,000 people registered to attend this year’s event at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel. It’s a large increase from the 40 people who attended the inaugural event in 2009. “In our community, the need for caregiver support has grown. That is really fueled by what they’re calling the ‘silver tsunami,’” Clagett said. “Our aging population is growing. As a matter of fact, North Carolina is now the number one aging destination in the United States, it has actually surpassed Florida.”
Other WRAL Top Stories
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reports 88 North Carolina counties now have more residents over the age of 60 than under the age of 18. The state also reports 76% of adults over the age of 65 are living with one or more chronic diseases, with 33% of our aging population living with a disability.
The NCDHHS Division of Aging previously told WRAL it is preparing for long-lasting effects of recent growth.
The Duke Health event aims to connect community caregivers to resources near them. Attendees can speak with trained professionals to receive guidance on how to best navigate the many challenges that come with caregiving.
“Caregiving is an individual process and it is very isolating,” Clagett said. “This event is to help caregivers realize there is a community around them, and that they are not alone in their caregiving journey.”
Booths throughout the event offered free health and wellness screenings and incontinence supplies.
Business leaders, including Dr. DeLon Canterbury, a geriatric pharmacist with GeriatRx, helped caregivers understand the role medication can play in their loved one’s symptoms.
“We figure out ways to remove harmful medications for their loved ones, and we’re providing free medication reviews,” Canterbury explained.
Canterbury shared that many caregivers are unaware that behavioral changes or symptoms such as dizziness, balance difficulties, and memory loss can also be attributed to various medications.
“A lot of our older adults are on a number of medications. Having a professional who is trained to look and see if this is hurting you or helping you, it’s hard to find,” said Canterbury. “Caregivers are already overwhelmed. Let’s give them an easy resource to help them figure this out and get the clarity to remove anything that might be worsening quality of life.”
A virtual dementia simulator also gave participants a chance to experience the physical difficulties their loved ones may experience, but not have the words to express.
The Sept. 9-10 event is sold out this year. However, Duke Health’s online caregiver resources, including videos and guides, are available to anyone seeking support, regardless of whether they or their loved one is a Duke Health patient.