CoAction Hosts First Age Well Symposium & Caregiver Expo, Bringing Older Adults and Care Providers Together

CoAction launched its inaugural Age Well Symposium & Caregiver Expo, a new event designed to connect older adults, caregivers, and a wide network of care providers—all under one roof.

While CoAction has hosted provider fairs for years, this expanded format reflects the organization’s mission as the local Area Agency on Aging: to build stronger connections, improve access to services, and ensure older adults can make informed decisions about their care.

“As the Area Agency on Aging, we wanted to create a space where people in the community could come together,” said Claudia Pena, Communications Manager at CoAction. “This event allows providers to learn about each other’s services, identify gaps, and collaborate to better serve clients. It also gives older adults one convenient place to explore resources, meet providers, and ensure they’re getting the care that best fits their needs.”

CoAction has served Northwest Indiana for more than 50 years, helping thousands of older adults access the supportive services they need to age with confidence. The new expo—held inside the Mike Anderson Chevrolet Event Center at the Dean and Barbara White Event Center—featured vendor booths from a wide range of care providers, giving attendees the opportunity to “shop” for services and discover programs they may not have known existed.

“We have our clientele, but not everyone utilizes waiver services through CoAction,” said Joy Jackson-Lucio, Care Manager at CoAction. “Many people don’t realize what assistance is available to them. I love seeing community members step into this world and learn what CoAction and our providers can offer.”

For many vendors, the event was also a chance to strengthen partnerships and connect faces to names.

“It’s been a treat putting faces to the case managers we work with,” said Max Dedelow, Relationship Manager at Team Select Home Care. “It’s also great to get our name out there and show what makes us different. Seeing that light-bulb moment—when someone realizes the unique way we can help—that’s been the best part. At the end of the day, it’s all about helping people.”

Beyond networking, providers appreciated the opportunity to meet older adults in a friendly, approachable environment. Nyisha Beemon, Registered Nurse at Life Enhancement Caregivers Inc., hopes the expo encourages seniors to feel more comfortable asking for support.

“A lot of our seniors, especially men, don’t like to accept help,” Beemon said. “They’ve spent their lives helping others, and now it’s time for them to receive help in return. Our goal is to keep them safe at home. Falls are the leading cause of disability for people 55 and older, so addressing safety early can prevent life-changing injuries.”

CoAction extends its appreciation to the sponsors who made the first Age Well Symposium & Caregiver Expo possible: Caregiver Event – CoAction