The 3rd Annual Caregiver's Symposium in partnership with Arts & Minds took place on Oct 15 2016 at The Studio Museum in Harlem. People from all the 5 boroughs came out to find information on how best to care for their loved one.
STATEMENT FROM KEN SMALTZ
Our focus this year..........BLACK WOMEN!! Alzheimer's is a devastating disease that affects over 5 million Americans. African Americans are 2 times more likely to develop the disease than Whites and almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's are women. Women are also more likely to be the caregivers, leading to adverse consequences in the workplace and the home. Nearly 19 percent of women Alzheimer's caregivers had to quit work either to become a caregiver or because their caregiving duties became too burdensome. It adds up to a burden from Alzheimer’s on Black Women that is significantly higher than any other group. Yet there is little outreach or even awareness of these alarming statistics.
This year, the Smaltz Foundation used our annual Symposium to put the spotlight on Alzheimer’s and its impact on the physical, mental and financial well-being of black women in America. Professionals from the financial and legal world to clinicians, social workers and day center representatives were in attendance to answer each and every question they were asked. A woman caregiver by the name of Joan Nicholson came with her husband who has dementia. They both attend a workshop at the Studio Museum given by Arts and Minds Director Carolyn Halpin- Healy. Joan spoke eloquently and joyfully how much her husband enjoyed the classes and felt it had extended his life.
Programs like these are sorely needed in communities like Harlem and neighboring boroughs. Thank you to everyone who made it out and to those who watched on FB Live. I hope we were able to provide you some sense of comfort in meeting and talking with others and knowing that you are not alone!
Audrey Smaltz- Co Chair
Robert Ponce- Event Producer and Jodi Brockington Event Coordinator
Warachal Faison
Parker Jewish Institute
AgeWell New York
Pfizer
Posted By: Tanisha Grant
Monday, October 24th 2016 at 4:57PM
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