REST presents research at national Aging in America Conference

BLOOMINGDALE, Ill.: REST (Respite Education and Support Tools) Program Analyst Wendy Berk and Lynn Ackerman, of Ackerman Research, presented a workshop on REST's research findings at the national 2016 Aging in America Conference in Washington, D.C., last week.

REST Program Director Lois Sheaffer joined Berk and Ackerman afterward to answer attendees' questions.

During the 60-minute session, titled: "REST Training Program: Preparing Individuals to Provide Quality Respite to Family Caregivers," Berk and Ackerman presented REST's recent findings, which show the effectiveness of REST as reported by those who have used its programs and services.

"There is evidence to support the effectiveness of the REST program, with participants overwhelmingly responding that the program prepared them to feel confident in providing quality respite to families," Sheaffer said.

The workshop also covered REST's success in building networks of support for caregivers nationwide; the negative health impact of long-term caregiving on family caregivers, and the benefits of developing a growing network of trained respite workers.

Attendees of the REST workshop included representatives from agencies around the country that serve older adults and provide programs and services designed to enhance their quality of life.

"Those who attended our workshop appreciated learning about REST, the efficacy of our program, and how it meets a crucial need as our population ages," Sheaffer said. "We were gratified to have had the opportunity to present our research, and meet so many dedicated professionals in the field of aging from across the country."

The REST team will present its findings again July 25 during the n4a Answers on Aging Annual Conference and Tradeshow in San Diego. For more information about REST, visit www.restprogram.org.