Saturday ‘fair’ will offer information for caregivers

The odds are high that at some point in life just about everyone will become a “caregiver” for someone else.
It could be an adult child for their parent, a person for their spouse, a grandparent for a grandchild, or someone caring for a stranger or friend. Whatever the relationship, learning what kind of help is available can seem like an impossible task.
In an effort to make that information more available, a group of concerned members from First Presbyterian Church in Kasson has planned a Dodge County Caregiver Fair for this Saturday, August 23, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the church, 101 6th Ave. NW.
Representatives from a variety of organizations will be at the fair to inform those attending where they can look for help as they navigate the caregiving process.
The idea for the fair came about because of discussions over coffee at the church, said Karen Tracy, one of the organizers. Church member Rose Horseman had done a health fair earlier, and the suggestion was made to do a caregivers fair. A committee then set out to organize the fair.
Tracy said she got involved because she has been a caregiver for many years, as her father had Alzheimer’s disease and her mother is also now elderly. She has also worked with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and other groups. Over the years, she said, she has learned what services are available to those living in Dodge County.
The committee has put together a group of agencies that will be present at the fair with information about what they can do to help. Those attending Saturday’s fair include Dodge County Public Health, Faith in Action, Elder Network, Catholic Charities, SEMAC, Prairie Meadows, Dodge County United Way, Cornerstone of Rochester, a VA support group that meets at the American Legion, the Kasson Library, Disabled American Veterans, and Lutheran Social Services.
It’s important for people to know what is available, Tracy said, as the need to be a caregiver can arise no matter your age, gender or situation.
There is no admission charge to attend the fair, Tracy said. It is free for those looking for help or those looking to help. It will be a morning of resources, support, and information tailored to those living in Dodge County, she said.