The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America will host a free virtual Alzheimer’s educational conference for Delaware residents Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., as part of its 2021 Educating America Tour.

The conference, open to everyone, will allow participants to learn from, and ask questions of, health, care-giving and long-term care experts. To register, go online.

Sessions during the AFA virtual conference will include:

• "A Caregiver’s Perspective" from a scientist studying Alzheimer’s disease — Dr. Michael A. Gitcho will share his expertise as both a scientist and as a family caregiver for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Gitcho is an associate professor for the Department of Biological Sciences in the Delaware Center for Neuroscience Research at Delaware State University, and he was a caregiver for his mother, who lived with Alzheimer’s disease. He will talk about his experiences as a caregiver while offering updates on Alzheimer’s research.
• "Incapacity & Transfer of Power: Asset Protection" — Having the necessary legal documents in place is extremely vital when a family is confronted with a dementia diagnosis. William W. Erhart, a certified elder law attorney with Estate & Elder Law Services, a firm with offices in Wilmington and Millsboro, will discuss estate planning and provide strategies on how to provide care for your loved ones, while protecting their assets without depleting their savings. He will review family trusts, powers of attorney, probates and other important documents.
• "Ways to Ease Long Distance Caregiving" — Caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease is more difficult when that person does not live near you. But there are various tools and techniques available to caregivers to assist them. Christie Shirey, caregiver resource coordinator for the CHEER Community Center, will offer tips to make long-distance caregiving easier. She will discuss technology that will enable you to schedule medication reminders, tasks and visits. She will also review services such as personal assistants, Meals on Wheels, companionship, activities, memory cafes and support groups. Additionally, she will provide information on other resources to help you get medical equipment, transportation, assistance with legal documents and Medicare counseling.

Those who cannot participate in the virtual conference or have immediate questions about Alzheimer’s disease can connect with licensed social workers seven days a week through AFA by calling 866-232-8484 or webchatting by clicking the blue-and-white chat icon in the right-hand corner of the page. The webchat feature is available in more than 90 languages.