The Cass County COA is currently accepting registrations for its second annual Dementia Conference, slated to take place Wednesday, May 11.

This program, sponsored by the Shopko Foundation, will cover various aspects of dementia care for professional and family caregivers. Speakers will include Erin Van Groningen of the Alzheimer’s Association of Kalamazoo, gero-psychiatrist Dr. Nadeem Mirza of Bronson Lakeview Hospital, Elder Law Attorney Mike Walling and a team from Hospice of Southwest Michigan.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia can be difficult: emotionally, physically and financially. Through the Dementia Conference, the COA aims to provide caregivers with a wealth of information to support them and raise awareness of the resources available to assist them.

The conference also connects caregivers to a supportive community of people with similar experiences.

The Dementia Conference will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lowe Center, 60525 Decatur Road, Cassopolis. Registration is $20 per person, which includes lunch and refreshments. A vegetarian option is available for lunch, but must be indicated when registering.

Free respite care for family members is available but must be pre-arranged prior to the day of the conference. For more information or to register, call Keryl Conkright at (269) 445-8110 or (800) 323-0390.

The Cass County COA is a community organization dedicated to enhancing life through programs and services for adults in all life stages. For more information, visit www.casscoa.org.