UK Human Resources Elder Care Program To Host Several Events This Spring
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 21, 2016) — University of Kentucky employees who provide care for older adults are invited to bring a lunch and learn about important topics at UK Elder Care’s 2016 Spring Lunch and Learn Series and the Caregiver Support Group.
Each session is free and open to all UK faculty, staff, retirees, spouses and sponsored dependents. Space is limited, and registration is required. For more information and to register for sessions visit: http://www.uky.edu/hr/work-life/elder-care/elder-care-events.
Wednesday, Feb. 17: Caregiver Support Group - “Is It Groundhog Day? Another Day in the Life of a Caregiver”
William T. Young Library Keeneland Room
12:10-12:50 p.m.
Routine is an effective way to care for loved ones with dementia and other health issues. Unfortunately, too much repetition can leave a caregiver feeling like Bill Murray's character in the movie "Groundhog Day." Hear from Terri Weber, UK Elder Care coordinator, as she suggests ideas and strategies to get out of a caregiving rut.
Wednesday, Feb. 24: Lunch & Learn – “Don’t Blame It on Aging”
William T. Young Library Keeneland Room
12:10-12:50 p.m.
Dr. Nancy Stiles, one of the few board-certified, fellowship-trained geriatricians practicing in Kentucky, will talk about the aging process, functional decline and monitoring of your overall health.
Tuesday, March 8: Lunch & Learn – “VA Benefits: Aid & Attendance”
William T. Young Library Gallery Room
12:10-12:50 p.m.
Lee Gordley, veterans benefits field representative from the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, will discuss the largely unknown Aid & Attendance Program. Wartime veterans, their spouses, or their surviving spouses 65 years and older, may be eligible for help in paying for home health care, assisted living, nursing home or memory care. This program is a pension benefit and not dependent on service related injuries and is often overlooked by many families who need additional funds to help offset the cost of caring for their older loved ones.
Tuesday, March 24: Caregiver Support Group – “What Is the Right Choice for Your Loved One: Home Care, Adult Day Care or Placement?”
William T. Young Keeneland Room
12:10-12:50 p.m.
Tonya Cox, executive director of Home Place at Midway, will discuss the differences between community supported home care and placement.
Thursday, April 7: Lunch & Learn – “Letting Go of the Reins”
William T. Young Gallery Room
12:10-12:50 p.m.
Marie Smart, family care specialist at the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, will talk about helicopter children, those who hover over their parents not allowing them to do what they are still able to do. Keeping a close eye on aging loved ones is natural and necessary, but hovering too closely can cause problems, too. Learn how to strike a balance between caring and overbearing.
Wednesday, April 20: “Virtual Dementia Tour”
UK Gaines Center Commonwealth House, 226 East Maxwell St.
Appointments from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
The Virtual Dementia Tour is a unique simulation experience that allows participants to experience life through the eyes of their friends and loved ones who have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The simulations run about 30 minutes. Call 859-323-4600 or email terri.weber@uky.edu to schedule an appointment.
UK Elder Care also has a monthly e-newsletter, “In the Know,” which features news on elder care events at UK and in the community. It also includes the latest articles about caregiving and elder care as well as blog posts by Terri Weber, UK Elder Care Coordinator. To subscribe to the newsletter and to view past issues visit http://www.uky.edu/hr/work-life/elder-care/news/in-know-elder-care-news.
MEDIA CONTACT: Blair Hoover, (859) 257-6398; blair.hoover@uky.edu