THE PROGRAM:
Are you a caregiver for someone you love? A partner, family member, friend?
Do you anticipate being called to a caregiving role sometime in the near or distant future?
Together we will learn from a panel of three health professionals and an experienced caregiver about the blessings and challenges of caregiving.
SPEAKER PANEL:
Melissa Brandes, MD, is a Doctor of Internal Medicine caring for patients age 18-100+. The scope of her practice includes caring for patients in nursing home settings, providing home visits to homebound patients, and providing end-of-life care. She has been in practice for over 25 years and is currently in private practice in South Burlington with Green Mountain Internal Medicine.
Karen Cote, MSW, is a Social Worker and a certified end of life doula, and a very active member of our Temple Sinai's congregation. She is employed with The Burlington Housing Authority, working with residents in need of caregiving. Karen has been working in this field for 37 years. She has extensive experience in caregiving in her personal life as well. Karen has spent many years working with the Chevra Kaddisha. Karen recently became the recipient of the Vermont Rays of Kindness Honor!
Marjie Kaye Sheppard is a native Vermonter, retired massage therapist and long time member of Temple Sinai and Sisterhood. Together with her sister, Laurie, Marjie has cared for their mother, Joan, in a variety of settings since Joan suffered a stroke in July of 2020. Their journey together has been a series of roller coaster rides. Marjie is not a fan of roller coasters, literally or figuratively.
Alan Rubel, Author, is a past Barre City Alderman, Barre Town School Board Member, past President of Beth Jacob synagogue and past Board Member of Central VT Health and Hospice, among many other active community memberships. He is the author of numerous books, including his current co-editorship of the award winning book, The Greatest Burden The Greatest Blessing: Caregiving Stories of Hope, Humility and Love. Alan will discuss his book at this event, selling and signing copies at the end of the evening. Alan is a member of Ohavi Zedek Synagogue.
Information about caregiver resources in our area will be shared at the event.