UK Human Resources Elder Care Program to Host Several Events This Spring
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 11, 2017) — University of Kentucky Elder Care is hosting several events this spring for employees who provide care for older adults.
Bring a lunch and learn about important topics at UK Elder Care’s Lunch & Learn Series. 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: www.uky.edu/hr/work-life/elder-care/uk-elder-care.
In addition to the Lunch & Learn Series, UK Elder Care will also be hosting two special events in March — a workshop titled “Life After Caregiving” and a Virtual Dementia Tour. Additional information is listed below for all events.
Wednesday, Jan. 25: Lunch & Learn – “In-Home Care: Providing the Extra Support Your Loved One Needs”
William T. Young Library Gallery Room
12:10–12:50 p.m.
What happens to your older loved ones when the risks and challenges of staying in their own home compromise their comfort and safety? Hear from Bill Hughes, owner of Accessible Home Care and current chair of the Bluegrass Elder Abuse Prevention Council, and learn the differences between home care and home health care. Find out what you can expect from each of these services, options for paying for in-home services and caregiving tips.
Tuesday, Feb. 28: Lunch & Learn – “How Do You Know When It’s Time to Consider Placement?”
William T. Young Library Gallery Room
12:10–12:50 p.m.
Tonya Cox, executive director of The Homeplace at Midway, will discuss both the emotional process as well as the step-by-step concrete process needed to move your loved one into a care facility. Placing a loved one in a care facility when they can no longer care for themselves or they require more care than you are able to provide may be the best decision for the health and happiness for all involved.
Thursday, March 23: “Life After Caregiving Workshop”
Commons Room, Wethington Building
8:30 a.m.–noon
$15 registration fee
Linda Barrett, visiting assistant professor of gerontology from Miami (Ohio) University Department of Sociology and Gerontology, will conduct a half-day workshop on life after caregiving. Once your caregiving duties have finished, what will your life be like? An emptiness will be felt when the many tasks and responsibilities that you once performed are no longer part of your daily routine. Separating yourself from your caregiving identity, readjusting to a world around you, and forming new relationships are an important part of reclaiming your life. Make plans now to join us as we discuss skills and tools to reimagine and transition to life after caregiving. To register, go to www.uky.edu/hr/life-after-caregiving-workshop.
Tuesday, March 28: Virtual Dementia Tour
UK Gaines Center for the Humanities Commonwealth House, second floor, 226 E. 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.
Thursday, April 20: Lunch & Learn – “Practical Tips for Everyday Living with Dementia”
William T. Young Library Gallery Room
12:10–12:50 p.m.
Alzheimer's takes a devastating toll on caregivers, with nearly 60 percent rating the emotional stress of caregiving as high or very high. About 40 percent suffer from depression, and one in five caregivers cut back on their own doctor visits because of their care responsibilities. Hear from April Stauffer, community outreach coordinator – Alzheimer’s Association, as she discusses the practical, everyday tips you need to know to get through the day when living with someone with dementia.
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 www.uky.edu/hr/work-life/elder-care/news/in-know-elder-care-news.