In caregiving for elderly adults, a local alliance offers help

The realities of aging and its impact on loved ones can be a tough realization. Witnessing a decline in the physical or mental abilities of parents or older relatives, many people may not know where to get help.

Historically, women have assumed the role of caregiver. They take on physical, emotional and financial responsibilities, often at their own expense – a reality that will only expand as the population of older adults in Central Texas continues to grow.

Confronted by new caregiving responsibilities, women’s own health and well-being can quickly become sidelined. But it’s critical for caregivers to prioritize their own mental health so that they, in turn, can better care for those they love.

Through a collaboration between Ascension Texas and AGE of Central Texas, caregivers in Central Texas can access help.

“AGE of Central Texas has been a lifeline for both patients and caregivers,” said Gayle Ayers, DO, geriatric psychiatrist at Austin Ascension Medical Group Seton Behavioral Health, specializing in dementia and cognitive issues evaluation. “At Austin Ascension Medical Group Seton Behavioral Health, we evaluate individuals experiencing mental decline and often refer families and patients to AGE for further resources. Collaborations like this are so important for providing caregivers and communities the resources and support they need,” said Dr. Ayers.

As part of its commitment to women’s health through all stages of life, Ascension Texas also supports AGE of Central Texas’ educational events, such as the annual She Thrives conference. This event connects women caregivers with support through a community of peers as well as practical tools and resources.

“AGE of Central Texas recognizes how complex and challenging a caregiver’s role can be, and it’s our mission to provide care, resources and support for caregivers and patients alike,” said Jayden Beatty, chief development officer for AGE of Central Texas. “Our goal is to equip women of all ages and backgrounds with resources, information and community to validate and support them as they navigate life’s aging and caregiving journeys.”

Among AGE of Central Texas’s robust programs, the largest is licensed adult day health care, which provides patients with the opportunity to socialize while being medically supervised by nursing staff. “This program allows elder patients to ‘age in place’ for longer periods of time without moving to a new facility and offers caregivers with young kids a much-needed break,” added Beatty.

In addition, AGE of Central Texas’s resource center serves as a “first stop” for caregivers to receive guidance on navigating their loved one’s illness. The center also provides information about other AGE resources, including emotional support groups for children, spouses and caregivers, as well as educational materials on managing medication, preventing falls and managing financial planning. There’s even CaregiverU, a program with free, evidence-based caregiving courses for family caregivers.

For those with an older loved one who may be in need of assistance, Dr. Ayers suggests paying close attention to lesser-known signs of decline, including:

• Frequently repeating statements or questions
• Losing important, hard-to-replace items such as keys, wallet or purse
• Missing medication doses – a stockpile of medications is a red flag
• Difficulty driving, dings on the car, fender benders, and trouble getting from “A to B”
• Technological challenges such as difficulty using a TV remote, increasingly forgetting passwords, becoming less and less able to use a smartphone (i.e. no longer using apps, camera or texting)

During major life changes like this, caregivers don’t have to go it alone. Resources and helping hands can support them as they take on this important role.

Ascension Texas is focused on making a lasting positive impact on the lives of Central Texans. This article is part of a series of Ascension Texas Impact Stories - each celebrating how we live our mission through clinical service delivery, public partnership, community benefit, community investment and community engagement.