Help for UK Employees Caring for an Older Relative

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 17, 2014) — University of Kentucky Elder Care will present several events this fall in support of UK faculty and staff members who provide care for a parent or other older adult.

In addition to the monthly Lunch & Learns and the Caregiver Connect Group, there will be a conference, “A Positive Approach to Caregiving,” on Nov. 18 featuring Teepa Snow, one of America’s leading educators on dementia. Additional details about each of these events are below. You can also find information on the UK Elder Care website: http://www.uky.edu/hr/work-life/elder-care.

Lunch & Learn Series

The 2014 Fall Lunch & Learn Series will begin Sept. 24. Bring your lunch and learn about important topics. Each free session requires pre-registration and is open to UK faculty, staff and their family. Space is limited.

Wednesday, Sept. 24

Noon – 1 p.m., William T. Young Library Keeneland Room

The Key to Longevity and Staying Healthy

Chiropractor Leo Boisvert will discuss what caregivers can do to help offset the damage of stress. A study by Ohio State University and the National Institute on Aging found that the chronic stress of caregiving can shorten a caregiver’s life by four to eight years. Participants will learn new ways to counter the effects of stress and be better caregivers for their loved ones.

Wednesday, Oct. 15

Noon – 1 p.m., William T. Young Library Multipurpose Room B-108C

Aging in Place

Occupational therapist Susan Bachner will share her knowledge and expertise on how normal aging and medical conditions affect daily living activities. Learn how making even small adaptations to your home can maximize safety, comfort, independence, and accessibility.

Caregiver Connect Group

The Caregiver Connect Group is for UK employees who are taking care of parents, in-laws, and other adults in their family. The group provides a supportive atmosphere for caregivers as well as an opportunity for members to help each other through sharing of information and stories. The group will meet in the William T. Young Library Kentucky American Water Room from noon – 1 p.m. on the following dates:

Wednesday, Sept. 17

Topic: Caregiving 101

Wednesday, Nov. 19

Topic: Caregiving and Dementia

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Topic: Caregiving and the Holidays

Get Moving – A Walking Group for Caregivers

5:30 p.m., Tuesdays in September

UK Arboretum

In addition to the monthly meetings, caregivers can participate in Get Moving – A Walking Group for Caregivers, which meets each Tuesday, through the end of September, at 5:30 p.m. at the UK Arboretum.

Conference: “ Positive Approach to Caregiving”

Nov. 18

UK Chandler Hospital – Pavilion A

As part of National Caregivers Month in November, UK Elder Care will present a day-long conference, “A Positive Approach to Caregiving” featuring Teepa Snow on Nov. 18 at the UK Chandler Hospital – Pavilion A. Continuing education credits are available. As one of America’s leading educators on dementia, Snow is an advocate for those living with dementia. She has made it her personal mission to help families and professionals better understand how it feels to be living with such challenges and seeks to change and improve life for everyone involved.

For more information about any of these events, contact Terri Weber, UK Elder Care Specialist, at 859-323-4600 ext. 80457 or terri.weber@uky.edu.