A day of much needed rest and relaxation for local caregivers is drawing ever closer.

As mentioned last month, HESSCO Elder Services, Inc. will be hosting its 10th Annual Caregiver Conference on Tuesday, September 23. This year’s event will take place at Lake Pearl Luciano’s in Wrentham. Doors will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

HESSCO is a designated Massachusetts Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) and federal Area Agency on Aging (AAA) covering 12 towns in southern Norfolk County, including the MetroWest communities of Medfield, Millis and Norfolk. The Caregiver Conference is open to all caregivers, however. You do not have to live in HESSCO’s coverage area or receive services from HESSCO in order to attend.

Some updated information about the conference has been released. That includes news that the keynote speaker for the event will be Dr. Donna White RN, CS, CADAC II. She will provide practical tips on how to manage stress.

Caregivers will also have the choice of six break-out sessions spanning from advice on how to approach the topic of driving, how to hold a family meeting, how to communicate effectively, how to access benefits for care recipients and how to balance work and caregiving. There will also be a support group for male caregivers.

Over 50 professional organizations and service providers will take part in an exposition offering valuable information and resources to caregivers.

Throughout the event, caregivers can find relaxation by observing a water color demonstration, taking advantage of a reading corner or meditating. Caregivers can learn how to arm-knit and complete a scarf in just 30 minutes. On the day of the event, participants can sign up for a choice of relaxing treatments such as a satin hand pampering, a chair massage, energy healing or acupuncture.

The fee to attend is $15.00 per person, which includes admission to the conference, the relaxation room, continental breakfast and a buffet lunch. There will also be a raffle with many prizes.

To register, please contact HESSCO Family Caregiver Specialist Kristin Heuwold at kheuwold@hessco.org or 781-784-4944 x253. You can also register online at www.HESSCO.org.