Caring for the Caregiver
Recource Fair

Saturday, October 30, 2021
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
EM Tobias Family Center Atrium
324 E Antietam St, Hagerstown, MD 21742

Funded by Bill Hunsberger in memory of his wife, Sylvia

In recognition of National Family Caregiver Month, Brook Lane and Potomac Case Management Services are hosting a free Caring for the Caregiver Resource Fair on October 30 and a series of virtual programs via Facebook Live throughout the month of November. The Fair will feature exhibitors from local organizations who specialize in helping individuals provide care to loved ones due to physical or mental illness and two informative keynote speakers.

The event is FREE, but please register so you will be included in the lunch count. If the event would need to be rescheduled due to COVID, updates will be posted on the Brook Lane website.

Resource Fair Agenda

10:00 am-2:00 pm                 Exhibit Visitation with Organizations Specializing in Helping Caregivers

10:30 am-10:45 am               Welcoming Remarks

Bill Hunsberger will share his personal journey in caring for his wife Sylvia during her battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

 10:45 am-11:45 am                When 24 Hours Isn’t Enough

Many family members find themselves providing primary care for loved ones with physical or mental health challenges. While caring for a loved one can be rewarding, it can also be physically and emotionally draining. The day-to-day requirements of providing care for another individual coupled with your own responsibilities often make it feel as if there are not enough hours in the day. Melissa Linn will share some insights about the caregiving journey, provide tips on how to create balance, and manage feelings of guilt that often accompany the stress of trying to get it all done. She will discuss how to recognize when seeking the assistance of professional home health care or permanent placement may be necessary.

Featuring Melissa M. Linn-Canas, licensed clinical professional counselor and clinical coordinator for Potomac Case Management Services, Inc. Melissa also directs the HOPE Counseling and Wellness, LLC where she and her team incorporate yoga, massage, spiritual care and holistic nursing in their treatment approach. Melissa has more than 14 years of experience in providing mental health services in the inpatient, outpatient and community non-profit settings.

11:45 am-1:00 pm                 Complimentary Boxed Lunch/Exhibit Visitation

1:00 pm-1:45 pm                   Signs of Mental Health Concerns in the Loved One and/or the Caregiver

Stress, exhaustion, and burnout are an unfortunate outcome for many who provide caregiving to others. For those who are receiving care, this time can also be stressful. When emotional exhaustion starts to interfere with daily activities and a sense of hopelessness takes hold, it is time to take a look at mental health. Irritability, sadness, anxiety or depression are common mental health concerns that are very treatable. Join us to learn some of the behavioral symptoms of mental health challenges and what to do to help yourself and your loved one.

Featuring Dr. Lynn Feldman, adult and child/adolescent psychiatrist treating patients at Brook Lane’s Frederick outpatient office. Dr. Feldman is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in general psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry and addiction medicine. She has a particular interest in the aging population and the mental health challenges that come with aging and providing care to individuals in need of caregiving.

1:45 pm - 2:00 pm                Exhibit Visitation