UPPER CUMBERLAND — The Annual Senior & Caregiver Expo has undergone many changes over the years, with 2020 being the most challenging year handling a pandemic. This year, the Upper Cumberland Area Agency on Aging and Disability (UCAAAD) is coming together again to celebrate 20 years of providing resources to older adults and caregivers in the Upper Cumberland region.
This year’s theme, “Stronger Together,” will focus on recognizing the important role older adults play in fostering the connection and engagement that build strong, resilient communities. Join the UCAAAD as they celebrate community strength. The 2021 Senior and Caregiver Expo will be held at Life Church at 2223 N. Washington Ave. in Cookeville from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26.
Attendees will be able to visit booths of businesses and organizations from around the region to gather information and resources related to health care, personal care, home health, assisted living, long-term care and other services that promote successful aging and living. Caregiving training will also be provided from 9 – 11 a.m. Topics covered include information on safe patient handling, how to prevent falls, caregiver burnout and dementia-related tips.
The UCAAAD is excited to announce two new activities offered at this year’s expo event: Caregiver Simulation and the screening of “Alive Inside.” This year we are partnering with Tennessee Technological University to offer a Caregiver Simulation course for students. This project will allow students to “step into the shoes” of family caregivers and see some challenges they face each day when it comes to caring for loved ones. Earning the 2014 Sundance Audience Award, “Alive Inside” follows social worker Dan Cohen on his quest to bring personalized music to nursing homes. Upon hearing songs from their past, seniors with dementia are suddenly able to find a joyous sense of self that had been lost. We will be showing this movie at this year’s expo event from 10:45 a.m. until 12:15 p.m.
Together, we can find strength and create a stronger future. When people of different ages, backgrounds, abilities and talents share experiences through action, story or service, we help build strong communities; and that’s something to celebrate! Please join the UCAAAD in strengthening our community by planning on attending our annual Senior & Caregiver Expo on Oct. 26.
Platinum Sponsors for this year’s expo include: Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Ascension Saint Thomas Health, Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Crestlawn Funeral Home, Eye Centers of Tennessee, Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Cumberlands, Heritage Pointe Senior Living, Home Instead, Life Care Center of Crossville & Sparta, NHC Healthcare Cookeville, Mabry Healthcare & Rehab, Plateau Mental Health, Putnam County Emergency Management Agency, The Quality Family, Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, Tennessee Senior Medicare Patrol and Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency.
Opportunities are still available for sponsorships for this year’s Expo event. The UCAAAD is currently seeking businesses and organizations to partner together to help make for another successful Senior and Caregiver Expo here in the Upper Cumberland. For more details about sponsorships or general information, please contact Sara Martin (smartin@ucdd.org) or Clare Farless (cfarless@ucdd.org), at 931-432-4111.
About the Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD), a division of the Upper Cumberland Development District: UCAAAD connects older adults and adults with disabilities in the 14-county Upper Cumberland region with services and resources to improve their quality of life. Find the AAAD on the web at www.ucdd.org and facebook.com/UCDDconnect.
