Finding yourself in the role of caregiver – especially as an unpaid family member – can be overwhelming and confusing, and many first-timers find themselves unsure of where to start. An upcoming free caregiver support conference is designed to help these new, unpaid family members more easily navigate the world of caregiving for an older adult.
Held, Saturday, Feb. 5, the “Caregiver Training Camp” is presented by AGE of Central Texas and will now be broadcast online for all attendees. (Due to COVID safety concerns, the in-person portion has been canceled.) The free sessions will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature four important topics for first-time caregivers:
- 9 a.m. – “I’m a Caregiver, Now What?!” – Mary Etuk, a CaregiverU program associate, will present about self-care, your options for respite care and how to start the caregiving journey in the healthiest way.
- 10:30 a.m. – “Tackling Medical Issues” – Lina Supnet-Zapata, the executive director and managing partner for Mir Senior Care Management and Care Consultants, will teach medication management, how to handle a senior’s hospitalization, and the basics of home health.
- Noon – “Practical Tools for Dementia Caregiving” – Sarah Hyde-Williams, who owns Senior Living Advisors of Austin, will discuss basic caregiving tips for older adults suffering from one of the various types of dementia.
- 1 p.m. – “The Caregiver Playbook” – Natalie Alcorta, director of AGE of Central Texas Resources & Information Center, will teach attendees how to easily find local and area resources (and also build a network of support), and will also answer questions from participants.
The training camp is presented jointly by AGE of Central Texas and the Williamson County EMS Community Health Paramedicine program. The two organizations came together last year to reduce falls in older adults in the rural areas of Williamson County.
Register for the free conference online or by calling 512-600-9275, and for more information on AGE of Central Texas programs and resources, call 512-451-4611 or visit the website.