NORTH HAVEN — An ongoing network of island community members will attend an annual eldercare conference, Wednesday, Jan 8 - 9, at Southern Harbor House, North Haven.

Guest presentations include:

Dr. Lauren Michalakes, a hospice and palliative medicine specialist presenting on Maine's Death with Dignity law.

Chris Wolff, Elder Abuse Institute of Maine director of Community Engagement, speaking on elder abuse.

Heather LaFramboise, program director for Avita, of Brunswick, will address taking a positive approach to dementia care. 

The Mission network includes: Maine Seacoast Mission Island Health Services Director Sharon Daley, RN and eldercare workers from the island communities of Cranberry Isles, Swan's Island, Vinalhaven, North Haven, Matinicus, Islesboro, Chebeague, Long Island, Peaks Island, and Cliff Island.

“This group is spearheading personal, effective care for the elderly on Maine unbridged islands, through communication among the island communities and working with State agencies to better understand the needs of small eldercare home and island communities,” said Maine Seacoast, in a news release.

The group also holds monthly check-in calls for the purpose of helping elders remain on islands either in their own homes or in small eldercare homes.

“I feel like the islands have figured out how to do eldercare, and the rest of the country needs to follow,” said Director Sharon Daley, in Down East magazine (May 2019).

(Jan 9-10 storm dates)