109 family caregivers registered for the fourth annual Heartland Caregiving Conference, and on Saturday, November 7, more than 70 past, present and future family caregivers made it to NKC Health in North Kansas City. Anyone who has helped a loved one knows how quickly plans can change on the morning of. To everyone who wanted to be there and couldn’t, we saw you, and we saved you a seat for next year.
For those who made it, the people who hold everything together got to set some of it down for one day: to learn, to rest, to eat a good lunch someone else made, and to sit with others who truly get it.
Who Was in the Room
We opened the day by asking attendees a few questions, and the answers told us a lot. Stress ratings skewed high, with most responses at seven or above, and many people said they feel close to completely overwhelmed. Many have been helping a loved one for four years or longer, so the room was full of deep, long-term caregiving experience.
That is exactly why this day exists. Family caregivers rarely get time that is just for them, and the people in that room had earned it many times over.
Music to Start, Calm to Close
Folk songwriter Danielle Ate the Sandwich kicked off the morning with a mini-concert featuring the Sandwiched Caregiving Anthem, and more than one attendee named it a highlight of the day. We closed with Serenity in Sound, a relaxation and meditation session led by Delaina J. Miller on the handpan, a gentle way to send everyone home.
What We Learned
Across three rounds of learning sessions, attendees chose from topics spanning benefits planning, creativity, dementia communication, driving safety, grief and end-of-life care. Here are a few of the takeaways attendees shared with us:
Holy Shift! Creative Expression & Messy Mindfulness with Brittani Wheeler Rhoades got hands busy with mindful drawing and collage. Attendees said art helps them relax, and one walked away with a reminder we all need: no is a complete sentence.
Found Resources: Supporting Your Adult Child with a Disability with Georgia Mueller covered benefits, funding possibilities, healthcare reimbursement, and new affordable housing options.
The Resentment No One Talks About (But Everyone Feels) with Stephanie Morris struck a deep chord. Attendees left knowing it is OK to feel resentment, that two opposite feelings can both be true, and that you can love the person and resent the position. One attendee told us simply, “I needed to hear you.”
When Words Stop Working: Communicating with Loved Ones with Dementia with Kari Ann Forbush gave practical tools for calmer conversations. The lesson attendees repeated most: slow down, be patient, and meet people where they are.
Safe Driving Isn’t Assumed, It’s Assessed with Kristen Lienhop explained how comprehensive driving evaluations help families make proactive, safety-focused decisions.
Walking Them Home: Caregiving at the End of Life with Rhonda Osborn walked through what to expect in the final days, including the signs, the timeline, and how dying differs from dementia. Several attendees told us it gave them exactly the preparation they needed.
Coping with Grief as a Caregiver with Amanda Trout explored how caregiving changes relationships and why we grieve losses long before a death. Her reminder: forgive yourself when you need to take time to care for yourself.
Self-Love Chair Yoga for Caregivers with Nancy Baum offered a low-impact reset throughout the day, and a simple message: care for the caregiver.
Presenter slides, bios, and session details are available on the conference page.
The Best Part: Each Other
When we asked attendees to name their favorite part of the day, the answer came through loud and clear. Conversations, shared stories and meeting fellow caregivers rose to the top. People found space to share with others who understand, and that peer connection is the heart of everything Sandwiched KC does.
One attendee put it better than we could: “I came depressed and discouraged and went home with hope and renewed determination to take better care of myself.”
That is why we do this.
What Attendees Told Us
Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Twenty of the first 22 people to complete our survey gave the conference a full five sandwiches out of five, and 21 said they would attend again.
We also heard your suggestions, and the most common one was a good problem to have: more time. Many of you wanted longer learning sessions and more dedicated space to talk with other caregivers, possibly grouped by situation, such as dementia, cancer, parents, spouses or adult children with disabilities. We are taking all of it into account as we plan next year.
Thank You
This day happens because of a community that shows up for family caregivers.
Our sponsors
- Mid-America Regional Council
- AARP Kansas City
- Hello Caregiving by Content x Design
- Oasis Senior Advisors Kansas City
- Seniors Helping Seniors NKC
- Right at Home KC
- Johnson County Aging & Human Services
- Love Always
Lunch and juice by Ruby Jean’s Juicery, and coffee by Dona Fina Cafe.
Our musical guest, Danielle Ate the Sandwich, for opening our day with heart.
Our presenters, for sharing their expertise and their own stories so generously.
Our sponsors and exhibitors, who hosted 20 resource tables full of information, connections and support.
Our host, NKC Health, for opening its doors to Kansas City’s family caregivers.
The Sandwiched Squad volunteers and Sandwiched KC board members, who set up, checked in, guided, carried, cleaned up and made everyone feel welcome. We could not do it without you.
Save the Date for 2027
We are growing! The fifth annual Heartland Caregiving Conference will take place on Saturday, November 6, 2027, at the Kansas City Convention Center. Mark your calendar now, and watch your inbox for registration, sponsorship and speaker opportunities.
In the meantime, you do not have to wait a year to connect.
Join us at an upcoming support group, in person or online, or reach out for one-on-one support.
We are here for you all year long.
