Donald King, Ph.D., chair of the HDSA Board of Trustees opened the meeting and welcomed attendees. Barbara Boyle, Executive Director and CEO of the HDSA also welcomed attendees and spoke of HDSA's ambitious goals for the future.

Gary Barg, CEO and Editor-in Chief of Today's Caregiver Magazine, gave the keynote address, "On Becoming an Advocate Caregiver."

Barg noted the heavy toll that the responsibilities of a caregiver exacts. The average caregiver directs about $40,000 in spending for the care of his or her loved one. Ten percent of the caregiver's salary goes for out of pocket health care expenses. The caregiver will lose $600,000 in lost opportunities for earnings and promotions while care giving. Sixty-three percent will consider depression their most commonly felt emotion. Why do caregivers accept the responsibility? "We do it because we can't not do it," said Barg.

Barg says that a caregiver's job is to learn everything we can so we can effectively advocate for our loved ones. "A caregiver can be heard in today's health care system." Effective advocates:

1. believe that they can make a difference.
2. believe that their role is just as important as the professional caregiver.
3. ask questions.
4. do their research and don't take no for an answer.
5. know their loved one's rights under the insurance system.
6. can research treatment options and present them to the caregiving team.

Barg cautioned caregivers that they must take care of themselves. "The cemeteries are full of irreplaceable people." If you neglect your health, who will take care of you and your loved one? Barg suggested that caregivers:

1. get help, accept help when it is offered, and suggest specific things that family and friends can do.
2. know their limits.
3. find a personal support system of family and friends.

Barg offered tips for dealing with doctors:

1. Write down a list of questions
2. Let them know early in the visit that you have the questions.
3. Ask the doctor to sit down.
4. Be succinct and clear.
5. Insist on getting understandable answers.
6. Keep a diary of patient care.