The Alzheimer’s Caregiver Conference will be held on Sept. 19 at University Place Presbyterian Church, 8101 27th St W from 8:30 to 4 p.m.  This annual free conference provides the family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s an entire day’s worth of speakers, complimentary respite, breakfast and lunch as they learn about taking care of themselves and their loved ones.

Connie Thompson from the KOMO News Team will be the keynote speaker.  Thompson and her sister provide the care for her mother in their mother’s struggle with dementia.  The conference will also feature Dr. Doug Wornell, Geriatric Psychiatrist and author of “Wandering Explorers: Practical Dementia for Families and Caregivers.”  Wornell will talk about challenging behaviors.  A service provider panel will offer information on a wide variety of community resources.

Participants must register in advance at (253) 798-8787.  Registration begins Aug. 1.  For more information about the conference, call the Pierce County Aging & Disability Resource Center at (253) 798-4600.

The caregiver conference is sponsored by Health Care Providers Council of Pierce County (HCPC) along with Weatherly Inn, Advanced Health Care, Franke Tobey Jones, Peoples Retirement Community and Rehmke & Flynn.  HCPC is a non-profit organization that promotes the highes standards of service, care and well-being for older and disabled adults.  Members represent various organizations committed to providing exceptional services to seniors in our community.