By MAUREEN DOHERTY
NORTH READING — Multiple local and state departments and agencies are teaming up to share vitally important information beneficial to the caregivers of adults with disabilities.
This adult caregiver 101 Q&A session entitled “Resources for Caregivers of Adults with Disabilities: A Panel Discussion,” is being offered free of charge on Tuesday, September 9 from 3:30-5 p.m. at the Flint Memorial Library Activity Room, 147 Park St.
The room is accessible to all and free transportation can be arranged for those unable to drive by calling the Senior Center at 978-664-5600 by next Monday at 11 a.m. Space may also be available in the adjacent conference rooms where adult children of the attendees can gather during the presentation (please call to inquire if such an arrangement would enable you to be able to attend the session).
The information is geared specifically for those whose loved ones are between the ages of 22 and 59 — too old to receive services provided students and too young to be considered senior citizens. But the panel discussion would be equally beneficial for caregivers of those with disabilities outside of this age range to provide them with the information that will ensure your loved ones receive the services they require and to which they are entitled to receive throughout all the stages of their lives — and yours.
Panelists present will include MassAbility, formerly known as the Mass Rehab Commission as well as as the state Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the state Department of Mental Health (DMH), family support staff from Communitas, and staff members of the Edith O’Leary Senior Center in North Reading.
A major theme of the event will be proactive planning to ensure the needs of adult children with disabilities will be taken care of when their aging parents or other caregivers cannot care for them in the short- or long-term due to emergency situations, their own health status, or when a primary caregiver passes away.
Planning ahead for any of these realities will provide caregivers with peace of mind knowing that their loved ones will not be left in limbo, such as in an emergency when first responders arrive at your doorstep.
This event is being jointly sponsored by many social service organizations and departments in town, including the North Reading Commission on Disabilities, the town’s Department of Public Services, the Council on Aging/Senior Center, the Community Impact Team and the Flint Memorial Library.