EUGENE, OR - A Caregiving Career Conference is offered Wednesday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Lane Community College Center for Meeting and Learning, building 19, main campus, 4000 E. 30th Avenue, Eugene.
This is the perfect time for mature adults to turn a lifetime of caregiving skills into relationship-based, flexible, and deeply satisfying professional work, says Barbara Susman, director of the Successful Aging Institute at Lane. Oregon's chronically high unemployment rate has been especially tough on older workers, she says. Once they leave the job market or get laid off, it can be frustratingly difficult to find work.
Caregiving is one career sector with openings. It's not for everyone and the entry level pay is not high but it can be personally rewarding, and some jobs provide health benefits.
Employers will describe the skills needed to transition into caregiving as a later-in-life or encore career. Panelists from more than 10 different organizations will provide an authentic overview of the field, including needs, trends, and attractive features of professional care-giving; introduce levels and contexts of caregiving; explain the agencies and organizations involved in the field; highlight the challenges and rewards of caregiving as an encore career; and identify local training opportunities for those interested in providing care for older adults and people living with disabilities.
Lauren Kessler, University of Oregon professor and author of the Pacific Northwest Book Award winner "Dancing with Rose" will talk about her experience as a professional caregiver.
The cost is $10 and includes a hot buffet lunch. Registration is open now online at www.lanecc.edu/sai or by calling (541) 463-4634. There will be free reserved parking just west of building 19 (see map at www.lanecc.edu/center/directions/maincampus.htm).
The conference is a collaboration of the LCC Successful Aging Institute, AARP Oregon, LCOG Senior and Disabled Services, and the ARC of Lane County.
For disability accommodations, contact Center for Accessible Resources at (541) 463-5150 or (541) 463-3079 (TTY) at least one week in advance.
Lane is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution. Visit online at www.lanecc.edu or www.twitter.com/lanenews or www.facebook.com/lanecommunitycollege
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Media contacts:
Joan Aschim, PIO, aschimj@lanecc.edu or (541) 463-5591
Barbara C. Susman, Director, Successful Aging Institute and Senior Companion Program, susmanb@lanecc.edu or (541) 463-4644