United Way Caregivers Conference in Denville Tackles Substance Abuse

Published on April 16, 2019

Free Morris County event to discuss intervention, resources and supports

United Way of Northern New Jersey Caregivers Coalition will hold a Caregivers Conference on Saturday, April 27, in Denville to help caregivers learn about the signs of substance abuse, options for appropriately intervening and resources to support both the caregiver and the loved one they are caring for.

The free conference will be held at The Oaks at Denville, 19 Pocono Road, in Denville from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Presentations will guide unpaid caregivers who are assisting loved ones who may have a problem with prescription medications, alcohol or illegal drugs. Complimentary breakfast will be provided.

We know how overwhelming caregiving can be, especially when the loved one you are caring for is abusing a substance, said United Way Caregivers Coalition Manager Stephanie Howland. United Way is holding this conference to provide caregivers with a community of support and access to the critical information they need to navigate this difficult situation.

Attendees will hear from experts in the fields of substance abuse, geriatric care and mental health. Following their individual presentations, speakers will be available during a question and answer session.

• Sylvia Lippe, a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor with more than 30 years of experience, will share what she's seen over the years, what it means to be addicted and the history of addiction. Lippe is vice chair of the state's Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee, a governor-appointed position. She also is director of the Intoxicated Drivers Resource Center, a Morris County Prevention is Key program.
• Lucille Deutsch, founder of the private geriatric care management practice LHD Eldercare Solutions and a long-time advocate of older adults and caregivers, will explain the signs of substance abuse €” whether its prescription medications, alcohol or illegal drugs. A member of the Coalition steering committee and a consultant to the Mental Health Association of Morris County, Deutsch also will discuss options for intervening.
• Madine Despeine, a certified mental health first aid instructor and director of Self-Help, Advocacy and Education for the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, will discuss resources available at each stage of the recovery process. Despeine, who has devoted her career to helping those with mental illness, will also talk about the importance of maintaining wellness and ongoing supports during recovery.

Copies of United Way Caregivers Coalition's Pathways for Caregivers will also be available. This free guide contains information, ideas and support for providing care for loved ones. There are separate sections on aging, disabilities and mental health issues, as well as information on veteran services. The guide is also available online at www.UnitedWayNNJ.org/CaregiverTools.

Conference space is limited. Register by April 22 by visiting www.UnitedWayNNJ.org/CaregiversConferenceMorris2019. For more information, email [email protected] or call 973.993.1160, x534.