"Caregivers: This Day is for You" is the theme of free day of workshops for caregivers set for Saturday, Nov. 5, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Millennium Airport Hotel, 2040 Walden Ave., Cheektowaga. The event is sponsored by the Western New York Alzheimer's Caregiver Partnership (WNYACP) and the Erie County Caregiver Coalition.

Caregivers will learn ways to reduce stress and make everyday chores easier. Whether caring for a loved one who is physically frail or one who has memory loss, participants will find useful information. Workshops include Legal and Financial Issues, The Cost of Care, Creating a Back-Up Plan and Laughter Yoga.

Supervision for memory impaired adults will be available; please inquire when making a reservation. Lunch and materials will be provided.

WNYACP connects caregivers of persons with dementia to the support and services they need to reduce their burden and prevent burnout. Services include caregiver education, support groups, assessment, respite, joint enrichment events and transportation. WNYACP is funded through a New York State Department of Health grant and is composed of Catholic Charities of Buffalo, Alzheimer's Association, WNY Chapter, and the Aging Services of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara and Wyoming counties.

The Erie County Caregiver Coalition promotes community awareness, sensitivity to, and action around caregiving issues. It is composed of 52 agencies and facilities in the county that serve and work with caregivers.

Ann Marie Doetterl, regional director of WNYACP, said, "This day is a wonderful opportunity for caregivers - it's free and offers information on critical topics, a chance to meet other caregivers, time out of the home and supervision for their loved one if needed. We look forward to connecting with area caregivers."

Sarah Harlock, longtime member of the Erie County Caregiver Coalition and program director of the Center of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease in WNY, said, "Being the caregiver of a loved one may be the most challenging role we may ever take on, so everything we can offer as a community can make a difference. This event will help open the door to important information and resources for caregivers."

Reservations are required. Call 716-858-2022 or email caregiver@erie.gov to make a reservation and for information about supervision for your loved one that day.

For more information about WNYACP, go to wnyacp.org, or call Catholic Charities at 716-896-6388 or to reach the Aging Services in your county at 800-342-9871 (NY Connects). For information on volunteer opportunities, contact the WNYACP Volunteer Coordinator at (716) 896-6388 ext. 226.

For more information about the Erie County Caregiver Coalition, go to Erie County Caregiver Coalition.