POTSDAM -- “Caring for the Caregiver,” an information and resource session for people caring for a friend or loved one, presented by Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley and the St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging, is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 11 at the Hospice Center, 6805 US Rt. 11.

This the second time to two agencies have teamed up for this event.

“The first Caring for the Caregiver event was very well received” said Hospice Director of Family Support Services Mary Jones. “For some time now, we have recognized the need to provide additional support to caregivers, not just of our Hospice patients, but anyone in the community who has taken on this important role,” she said.

There are 20 vendors lined up to participate in the this year’s event, including vendors to address an added caregiver wellness component. Resources offered will include a free self-health assessment tool to ensure caregivers are being attentive to their own health so they are able to continue their important work. There will be free health screenings provided by area hospitals and each caregiver will receive a free resource manual. Door prizes will be raffled.

More information is available from Nancy Vosbrink at 265-3105.

Following the event last year Hospice offered a trial run of monthly Caregiver Support Groups. The groups covered a variety of topics and attendance further illustrated the need for regular meetings, according to the announcement of the event from Hospice.

“Many times caregivers don’t see simple acts such as providing transportation to appointments, helping to manage medications, meal preparation or checking in on a friend, neighbor or loved one as caregiving” said Jones. “The reality is, they are taking time out of their own life to make sure their loved one is safe. That’s caregiving.

“We know this is an extremely important role, but understand it can cause difficulty in other aspects of life for the caregiver. They are not alone in providing care, there are countless resources throughout St. Lawrence County who are ready to help.” Jones continued.