Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties will host a free symposium for caregivers and older adults on Friday, November 11, 2011 from 8:30 – 1:30 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, Waxahachie, located at 505 W. Marvin Avenue.

The Conference is for seniors and family members and friends that care for older adults by providing physical, emotional support and/or financial assistance. Participants will receive practical information on healthy aging and resources, legal issues, health and home care assistance, housing options and more. This year’s education series is generously underwritten by Target.

Professionals from local senior service providers and organizations will be available to answer questions and provide information and meet with attendees, including Area Agency on Aging, Alzheimer’s Association, Services for Medicare and Medicaid, Veterans Administration, Social Security and Meals-on-Wheels.

“We are excited about offering this resource to our local community and caregivers,” said Amy Jackson, director of development. “It will be day about caregivers, and how they can better help themselves, and those they care for,” she added.

You may register online at www.servingthechildrenofyesterday.org or by calling the Meals-on-Wheels offices. Lunch will be provided, and a $5.00 donation is requested to help cover the cost.

Meals-on-Wheels began its Caregiver Education program, alongside the other services it provides to the community, over four years ago in response to the growing need for elderly services in the community. Nationwide, over 50 million people are caring for their loved ones themselves, versus placing them in a nursing or care facility which is very expensive.

Meals-on-Wheels is a community benefit organization serving the homebound elderly and disabled residents of Johnson and Ellis Counties. For more information about the Symposium or Meals-on-Wheels’ services, please call 817.558.2840, 972.351.9943 or online at www.servingthechildrenofyesterday.org.