WAILUKU - The eighth annual Caregivers Conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Maui Beach Hotel, according to an announcement from the county Office on Aging.

The conference coincides with Family Caregivers Month and its theme: "Caring for Family . . . Caring for Ourselves."

Thomas Harding, the forensic coordinator at the Hawaii State Hospital, will offer a keynote address on the graying of baby boomers. Maui County Council Member Jo Anne Johnson, who serves as caregiver for her husband, will speak at the conference luncheon.

Educational breakout sessions at the event are geared to improve the lives of family caregivers. Topics and speakers are:

* "Understanding Alzhei-mer's Disease and Dementia" by Elaine Slavinsky and Kathleen Couch. Session highlights include diagnosing Alzhei-mer's and dementia, caregiver survival skills and healthy brain activities.

* "Dining With Dignity . . . Optimizing Nutritional Care for Persons With Dementia," facilitated by Saundra Gaskey. The interactive presentation and demonstration will focus on weight loss, dehydration and aspiration, and identifying symptoms of nutritional decline.

* "Resources for Grandparents Raising Their Grandchildren" with Heather Greenwood. She will focus on grandparent caregivers and professionals, providing opportunities for people to learn from those with similar experiences. She also will assist grandparents to access services, and navigate school and medical systems.

The conference also will feature minimassages, a tea ceremony, flower-pot minicreations and door prizes.

Cost is $10 for senior citizens and $20 for professionals. The fee covers lunch, materials and educational sessions.

Scholarships are available. For more information or to register, call Norma Circle at 270-7755.