BECKLEY — According to national AARP statistics, 34 million adults, 16 percent of the U.S. population provide constant care to another dependent adult age 50 or older with a serious medical condition.

Author Joyce Marie Sheldon knows a thing or three about being a caregiver to a sick or aging loved one. It was caring for her ailing husband that ultimately inspired her to develop her three-part “Morning of Mindfulness” workshop for professional and family caregivers, one she is bringing to Beckley March 19 as part of the Hand-In-Hand Caregivers Conference sponsored by Raleigh County Commission on Aging and Hospice of Southern West Virginia.

The conference begins at 9 a.m. at the RCCOA building on South Kanawha Street.

“There is to be no weeping for the past, no longing for the future, this is how it is right now … live it, breathe it, accept it, dance with it. Make it a part of your precious being,” writes Sheldon, known to many simply as Joy, in her published collection of inspirational poems “Seekers and Dreamers.”

Following her own husband’s passing, Joy was impassioned to establish the Caregivers’ Support Group of Hospice of Iredell County in her town of Mooresville, N.C.

“We’re excited to partner with Raleigh County Commission on Aging in bringing Joy’s message of hope to caregivers in our region,” says Hospice PR Director Lisa McMillion.

“Caregivers often suffer in silence, bearing the tremendous emotional, physical and financial burdens of caring for someone they love. They are afraid if they ask for help, they’re somehow failing to live up to their responsibility to their husband, wife or parent.

“I think of it in terms of being on an airplane that’s in jeopardy. Before you can adequately secure the mask of the person beside you, you have to secure your own. Caregivers need to take care of themselves first in order to be strong for someone else.”

Following Joy’s presentation, the Caregivers’ Conference will host several workshops open to professional and family caregivers, including information on resources available to those caring for loved ones full time. Continuing education credits are being awarded to social workers and nurses who attend the program.

The conference is free to all attendees. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided by co-sponsors New River Health and Jan-Care Ambulance.

For more information, contact Lisa McMillion at 304-255-6404 or Sherry Lucero at 304-255-1397.