Caregiver Resources

Videos:
– Caregiver Resources
– Caregiver Support Groups
– Creating a Caregiver Binder
– Falls Prevention
– Parkinson’s Disease
– Preventing Brain Injury in Older Adults
– Telehealth for Older Adults
– What Is Adult Day Health?

White Sheets:
– Adult Day Health and Caregiver Burnout
– Hot Weather Tips for Older Adults
– Preventing Falls in Older Adults

AARP Family Caregiving Guide (PDF format) – A practical tool of information, resources, and checklists to help you get organized and find the support that you might need.

Caregiver Guide (PDF format) – Updated February 2021; comprehensive guide to Central Texas resources and information
En Espanol

Caregiver Support Groups (PDF format) – Comprehensive list of Central Texas support groups for family caregivers

Personal Emergency Preparedness Plan (PDF format) – printable checklist for both family caregivers and older adults to be prepared in the event of an emergency.

Ride Guide (PDF format) – Transportation guide with information on Central Texas resources transportation options for older adults

5 Legal Documents Every Caregiver and Senior Adult Should Have (PDF format) – courtesy of Caregiver Lecture Series presenter and Austin elder law attorney Mark Tarrant
8 Unselfish Ways for a Caregiver to Take Care of Yourself (PDF format) – tips for caregivers on how to ease your life
Activities for Caregivers to Share with Persons Who Have Dementia (PDF format) – tips and suggestions from dementia expert Nancy Turco.
Advance Directive Forms (State of Texas) – advance directives are legal documents that allow you to convey your decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time, and provide a way for you to communicate your wishes to family, friends and health care professionals, and to avoid confusion in the future.
AGE Caregiver Blog – Information and insight on caring for an older family member.
Alzheimers and Dementia National Resources Directory: Links courtesy Alzheimers.net to products and resources for both Alzheimers/dementia patients and family caregivers.
Alzheimer’s Disease Medications Fact Sheet – Information from the National Institute on Aginng, available in both English and Spanish.
Alzheimer’s Disease Respite Groups and Day Care – Alzheimer’s-specific community-based respite groups throughout Central Texas, courtesy of Alzheimer’s Texas.
Alzheimer’s Disease Support Groups in Central Texas – Comprehensive list of Alzheimer’s-specific support groups throughout Central Texas, courtesy of Alzheimer’s Texas.

Assisted Living Communities:
– Assisted Living Facility Information brochure (PDF) explains the variety of assisted living facilities available in Texas, who they care for, and the services they provide.
– Long-Term Care Provider Search – Texas Health and Human Services open records search of long-term care communities in Texas.
– “What Is an Assisted Living Facility?” – information from the Texas Health and Human Services on they types of communities in Texas.

Brain Exercise Activities for Older Adults with Early Dementia (PDF format) – ideas for activities that you can try with an older adult experiencing early dementia.

Caregiving Cafe Support Groups (PDF format) – Five locations of free Central Texas area weekly support groups for family caregivers.
Caregivers and Exercise (PDF format) – Finding some time for regular exercise can be very important to your overall physical and mental well-being, so here are some caregiver exercise tips from the National Institute on Aging
Caregiver’s Guide to Financial Planning in the Shadow of Dementia (PDF format) – download a free copy, courtesy of Transamerica and MIT AgeLab.
Caregiver Toolkit: Comprehensive website from A Place For Mom with guides and checklists to help family caregivers to better manage their caregiving journey.
Challenges Facing LGBTQ+ Older Adults (PDF Format)
Checklist for Visiting Aging Parents:  If your parents or relatives are living independently, this handy checklist will help you evaluate changes in their physical, mental, and emotional health.
Communication Tips for Dementia Caregivers – courtesy of the Dementia Care Foundation.
Coping with Caregiving (PDF format) – Comprehensive booklet by past Williamson County Caregiver Conference keynote speaker Andrew Crocker, M.S., addressing how to manage stress when caring for an elderly family member.

Dementia Respite Directory (PDF format) – Central Texas regional dementia respite groups directory.
Drive a Senior 2019 Ride Guide (PDF format) – Senior transportation options for the Greater Austin area.
Early Memory Loss and Dementia (PDF) – Tips to help in determining if your loved one’s memory loss is normal aging or something more.
Elder Options of Texas – Online directory for active seniors and children with aging parents.
Eldercare Locator – A public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging connecting you to services for older adults and their families; you can also reach them at 1-800-677-1116.
Falls Prevention Facts – National Council on Aging fact sheet on falls prevention; falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans.
Fall Prevention Tips (PDF format) – Tips on how to prevent falls in senior adults, from AGE’s CaregiverU program.
Funeral Home Pricing Survey: Pricing guide from Funeral Consumers Alliance of Central Texas, with price comparisons for the Central Texas area.
Government Aid and Seniors – Online guide of government aid programs available specifically for seniors.
HIV & Aging (PDF format) – Comprehensive information about the challenges and risks of HIV in the aging population, and where to find resources in the Central Texas area.
Lewy Body Dementia — Recognizing When It Is Not Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s Disease (PDF format) – Informational brochure filled with facts about Lewy body dementia.
LGBTQ+ Older Adult Challenges (PDF Format)
Long-Distance Caregiving – online portal and free PDF booklet from the National Institute on Aging.
Respite Care Video – great informational video from the Texas Department of Aging and Disabilities Services explaining respite care and how if benefits both the care recipient and the caregiver.
Senior Road Guide – Tips on how to stay on the road safely and longer as you age, plus how to tell if your loved one should no longer be driving.
Transportation and the ADA – The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) National Network Disability Law Handbook.
What Is Long-Term Care? – comprehensive information and video from the National Institute on Aging.
Williamson County Caregiver Support Groups (PDF) – comprehensive list of caregiver support groups in Georgetown and Round Rock.
Williamson County Community Resources (PDF) – Transportation, neurology/psychiatry services, in-home care, and other services in Georgetown and Round Rock.
Williamson County Programs for Older Adults with Dementia (PDF) – List of adult day health centers, respite programs, and senior centers in Georgetown and Round Rock.
Working Caregivers: Finding a Balance (PDF) – Information from the Administration on Aging on how to cope with the stress and emotions related to caregiving, and suggestions on how you can better balance caregiving.

The quarterly newsletter created for family caregivers, and distributed at more than 300 locations throughout Central Texas.

Summer 2021 (PDF format)
Spring 2020 (PDF format)
Winter 2019 (PDF format)
Fall 2019 (PDF format)
Summer 2019 (PDF format)
Spring 2019 (PDF format)
Winter 2018 (PDF format)
Fall 2018 (PDF format)
Summer 2018 (PDF format)
Spring 2018 (PDF format)
Fall 2017 (PDF format)
Summer 2017 (PDF format)
Spring 2017 (PDF format)
Winter 2017 (PDF format)
Fall 2016 (PDF format)
Summer 2016 (PDF format)
Spring 2016 (PDF format)
Winter 2016 (PDF format)
Fall 2015 (PDF format)
Summer 2015 (PDF format)
Spring 2015 (PDF format)
Winter 2015 (PDF format)

AARP Caregiving Resource Center – extensive online resource with tools, tips and information for caregivers
Advance Directive Forms (State of Texas) – advance directives are legal documents that allow you to convey your decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time, and provide a way for you to communicate your wishes to family, friends and health care professionals, and to avoid confusion in the future.
Alzheimer’s Texas – information, referrals, and a variety of support programs for those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and their family members, caregivers and professionals
Austin Seniors’ Guide – Austin area resources for seniors and their families
Capital City Village – Austin’s virtual community of seniors committed to aging in place and community
Caregiving Cafe – Useful links, contacts, resources, and information about all aspects of caregiving
City of Austin Senior Services – City seniors programs and services
Drive a Senior – Regional resources for seniors
Elder Options of Texas – An online Texas senior care and housing directory also featuring a senior blog, Texas senior events calendar, 50Plus Forum, helpful aging and caregiver resources and contacts throughout the state, and more
Eldercare Locator: a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging where you can search for local services for older adults and their families.
Federal and State Financial Assistance for Seniors – resource guides that outline the federal and state organizations offering public benefits, along with state-specific guides for financial assistance for seniors.
Military and Veterans Benefits: national website facilitated by Veterans and National Guard members, with news, resources, and updates
National Institute on Aging – National Institute on Health website with a wide variety of research-based information and resources related to health and aging
Parkinson’s Association – Capital Area, with support groups and online resources
Senior Resource Guide – Resources for active aging adults, caregivers, and elder care professionals in Texas
Take Time Texas – Extensive list of resources from Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services
Texas Seniors’ Guide – Information guiding families through the maze of senior services, activities, and resources 

Area Agency on Aging – All of Central Texas
Aging Services Council of Central Texas – All of Central Texas
Capital Area Parkinson’s Society – Greater Austin 
The Caring Place – Georgetown
Drive a Senior Central Texas 
Drive a Senior North Central Austin
Drive a Senior Northwest Austin
Drive a Senior West Austin
Faith in Action Georgetown – Drive a Senior Georgetown
Family Eldercare
Funeral Consumers Alliance of Central Texas
Georgetown Area Parkinsons Support Group (GAPS)
Meals on Wheels Central Texas
Meals on Wheels Central Texas In-Home Care (formerly H.A.N.D.)
Medical Access Program (MAP)
Round Rock Area Servicing Center
Senior Access – Transportation for older adults in Round Rock, Pflugerville, Hutto, and East Austin
 

Alzheimer’s Disease Respite Groups and Day Care – Alzheimer’s-specific community-based respite groups throughout Central Texas, courtesy of Alzheimer’s Texas.

Alzheimer’s Disease Support Groups in Central Texas – Comprehensive list of Alzheimer’s-specific support groups throughout Central Texas, courtesy of Alzheimer’s Texas.

Dementia Respite Directory (PDF format) – Central Texas regional dementia respite groups directory.

Respite Care Video – great informational video from the Texas Department of Aging and Disabilities Services explaining respite care and how if benefits both the care recipient and the caregiver.

Caregiver Seminars:

“The 5 Legal Documents Everyone Needs”: Attorney Keith Leuty of the Barnett & Leuty Law Firm discusses the legal documents everyone needs to protect themselves and their assets during the 2020 Pflugerville Seniors Conference.
– Video
– Powerpoint presentation (PDF)

“9 Steps to Successful Aging: what can we learn from the blue zones?”: Dr. Mark Carlson, MD, Founder, BeWell MD, talks about the nine characteristics that lead to successful aging, and the simple ways you can integrate them into your life, as part of the 2021 Pflugerville Seniors Conference.
– Video
– Powerpoint presentation (PDF)

“Activities for Caregivers to Keep Older Family Members Engaged”: AGE of Central Texas caregiving experts Nicole Stackpole, LPC, R-DMT, and Naomi Dalsbo present ideas for activities that care partners can share together with their older family members — no matter their level of cognition — during the 2020 Striking a Balance Caregiver Conference.
– Video
– Powerpoint slides (PDF format)
– “Activities to Share At Home”

“Activities Caregivers Can Share with Older Adults Living with Cognitive Issues”: Dementia expert Nancy Turco discusses ways that care partners can engage their care recipients in meaningful activities, along with communication tips and the fundamentals of dementia care, during the 20th annual “Striking a Balance” Caregiver Conference.
– Video
– Powerpoint slides (PDF)
– Nancy Turco’s “Suggested Activities for Caregivers” (PDF)

“Advanced Care Planning“: AGE of Central Texas partnered with Austin Hospice for empower participants to identify what matters most to them and take steps to ensure their wishes are honored:
– Part 1
– Part 2

“AGE Programs and Community Resources“: Natalie Alcorta, AGE’s Resources & Information Director, is joined by AGE of Central Texas Program Directors to explain local community resources that are available to family caregivers. Learn about the programs offered by AGE of Central Texas, and discover other resources in the community for older adults and family caregivers.

“Avoiding Caregiving Burnout During COVID”: AGE of Central Texas experts Faith Unger, M.Ed., and Lori Hill present caregiver strategies during the 2020 Striking a Balance Caregiver Conference.
– Video
– Powerpoint slides (PDF format)

“Brain Health & Aging”: AGe of Central Texas expert K.C. Lawrence, LMSW, discusses cognitive changes as we age, and isues related to early memory loss.

“Caregiver Compassion and Self-Care”: Author and national caregiving columnist Dr. Barry J. Jacobs discusses ways caregivers can take care of themselves, and what the future holds for caregiving in the United States, during the 20th annual “Striking a Balance” Caregiver Conference.
– Video
– Powerpoint presentation (PDF)

“The Caregiver Playbook”: Natalie Alcorta, AGE of Central Texas Resource & Information Manager, talks about the “Caregiver Playbook” and how to locate and access local resources to assist family caregivers during their journey during the 2021  “Caregiver Training Camp.”
– Video
– Powerpoint presentation (PDF)
– AARP’s “Prepare to Care” Guide
– Caregiver Resources (PDF)
– Caregiver Playbook (PDF)

“Caregiving Round Table – What I’ve Learned as a Caregiver”: Patty Bordie, Executive Director of the Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area, moderates a round table panel for family caregivers discussing what they have learned during their caregiving journey during the 20th annual “Striking a Balance” Caregiver Conference.

“Caregiving 101 During COVID”: Caregiving expert Patience Buchanan presents caregiver strategies during COVID-19 as part of the 2020 Striking a Balance Caregiver Conference.
– Video
– Powerpoint slides (PDF format)

“Caregiving and the Holidays – Stress Reducing Tips and Tools”: Dr. David Zuniga presents a virtual seminar filled with stress reducing tips and tools to support caregivers through the holidays.

“Caring for a Family Member in a Long-Term Care Community”: Pete Moreno, Managing Lead Ombudsman for the Area Agency on Aging for the Capital Area, and Darla Bower, Advocate for the Area Agency on Aging for the Capital Area, discuss issues related to caring for a loved one who lives in a long-term care community during the 2020 Striking a Balance Caregiver Conference.
– Video
– Powerpoint slides (PDF format)
– “COVID-19 RESPONSE for Assisted Living Facilities” (PDF format)
– “COVID-19 Response for Nursing Facilities” (PDF format)
– Handouts (PDF format)

“COVID-19 Updates for Older Adults” 
Dr. Mary K Theoktisto, M.D., from Baylor Scott and White Health will provide healthcare and research updates on COVID-19, along with projections on what to expect next in the fight against the pandemic.
– Video

“Cumulative Stress and Caregiving Resilience: Put Your Oxygen Mask on First” – Lynn Hartje, MS, LPC-S, from Bluebonnet Trails Community Services, discussing how caregivers can overcome stress triggers and manage our busy lives.
– Video
– Download the presentation PowerPoint (PDF)
– “Helpful Thinking” handout (PDF)
– “Problem Solving” worksheet (PDF)

“Driving While Aging – Safety Considerations for the Aging Population” – Jennifer Perez Del Rio, from the St. David’s Adaptive Driving Program, to discuss how older adults can stay safe while driving, and how caregivers can evaluate their older loved ones’ ability to continue driving safely.
– Video
– Download the presentation PowerPoint (PDF)
– St. David’s Adaptive Driving Program flyer (PDF)
– USAA Driving Skills Checklist (PDF)

“Driving Safety for Older Adults and Their Caregivers“: Occupational Therapist and Driver Rehab Specialist Megan Frazier will discusses how caregivers can utilize proven techniques to determine an older adult’s fitness to drive, and how to have the difficult conversations about driving.
– Video
– “Driving Retirement” booklet (PDF)

“Effectively Utilizing In-Home Health Care”: Nurse and home care expert Jennifer Prescott, RN, MSN, CDP, and Founder of Blue Water Home Care, discusses the different types of in-home care, the uses, and when it’s time to call in professional help for your older loved one during the 2021 “GPS: Navigation for Caregivers” Conference.
– Video
– Powerpoint presentation (PDF)

“How to Locate and Access Local Resources”: Natalie Alcorta, Resource & Information Program Manager for AGE of Central Texas, is joined by a panel of experts from the Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area, and the Aging & Disability Resource Center, to discuss how to identify, research, and utilize community resources.
– Video
– Powerpoint slides (PDF format)
– “Caregiving in Central Texas” resource guide (PDF)

“How to Pay for Long-Term Care”: Lina Supnet-Zapata, MBA, CTXG, CMC, and Executive Director/Managing Partner for MIR Care Consultants, Inc., discusses the different types of long-term care, and how to plan ahead to afford care as you and your loved one ages, during the 2021 “GPS: Navigation for Caregivers” Conference.
– Video
– Powerpoint presentation (PDF)

“I’m a Caregiver – Now What?!”: AGE of Central Texas CaregiverU program assistant Lori Hill discusses the information that caregivers need to know, including how to create your caregiver binder, how to find and access community resources, and the importance of self-care at the 2021  Caregiver Training Camp.
– Video
– Powerpoint presentation (PDF) 

“The Ins and Outs of Long-Term Care”: Michael Gill, President of Texas Senior Living Locators, discusses the different options for long-term care — along with costs and tips for caregivers — during the 20th annual “Striking a Balance” Caregiver Conference.
– Video
– Powerpoint presentation (PDF) 

“Keeping Hope and Heart Alive in Sharing Care”: Author, national speaker, and caregiving expert Marty Richards presents the Keynote Presentation during the 2020 Striking a Balance Caregiver Conference.
– Video
– Powerpoint slides (PDF format)

“Keeping Your Sanity While Caregiving”: Jessica Lemann, Associate State Director of Outreach and Advocacy for AARP Texas, discusses tips, techniques, and resources for caregivers to help them navigate these uncertain times and still find time for self-care, during the 2021 GPS: Navigation for Caregivers Conference.
– Video
– AARP “Prepare to Care” guide

“Long Distance Caregiving”: AARP national caregiving expert Amy Goyer offers caregiver strategies for providing long-distance care during the 2020 Striking a Balance Caregiver Conference.
– Video
– Powerpoint slides (PDF format)
– “Family Caregiver Resources” handout (PDF format)

“Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: Q & A with a Dementia Counselor” – Alyssa Aguirre, LCSW, from University of Texas Dell Medical Center, covers everything from diagnosis to counseling services, to explore what to expect in a comprehensive evaluation for dementia, commonly used memory tests, and suggestions for how to respond to your loved one.
– Video
– Download the presentation PowerPoint (PDF): 

“Medicare 101” (2021): Benefits counselors from the Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area discuss what caregivers need to know about Medicare and Medicaid, the basic differences between the two programs, and what changes are expected in 2022.
– Video

“Medicare 101” (2022) : Yvette McVey, Benefits Counselor for the Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area, joins Natalie Alcorta — Director of the Resource & Information Center for AGE of Central Texas — to discuss Medicare basics and what older adults should know during the Medicare Enrollment Period, which runs October 15th through December 7th.
– Video
– Download the “Welcome to Medicare” flyer (PDF)

“Medicare Fraud Prevention“: Angel Hanzik, Outreach Specialist for Texas Senior Medicare Patrol, joins Rob Faubion from AGE of Central Texas to discuss how to prevent, detect, and report Medicare fraud and obtain the knowledge to stop fraud in its tracks.

“Medication Adherence”: Lonna Hayes, PharmD, BCPS, and Outpatient Pharmacist for Baylor Scott & White Health – Round Rock, discusses issues and solutions concerning medications, prescriptions, and best practices when it comes to communicating with your doctor and pharmacist.
– Video
– Powerpoint presentation (PDF)

“Navigating Health Challenges from a Legal Perspective – Financial Planning for Caregivers”:  Attorney at Law Virginia Sampson discusses advanced care and financial planning strategies for caregivers during the 2020 Striking a Balance Caregiver Conference.
– Video
– Powerpoint slides (PDF format)
– “Critical Documents for Managing Financial & Legal Affairs” (PDF format)

“Practical Tools for Dementia Caregiving”: Caregiving and dementia expert Sarah Hyde-Williams discusses ways caregivers can better communicate with their care recipients who are living with dementia, along with practical tips for effective caregiving, during the 20th annual “Striking a Balance” Caregiver Conference.
– Video
– Powerpoint presentation (PDF)

“Preventing Falls and Caregiver Safety”: Dr. Amy Walters, Assistant Professor and Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the St. Augustine University, discusses how to safely provide care for an older adult and how to utilize durable medical equipment during the  2021 “Caregiver Training Camp.”
– Video
– Powerpoint presentation (PDF)

“Tackling Medical Issues”: Lina Supnet-Zapata, Executive Director/Managing Partner for MIR Care Consultants, Inc, discusses how caregivers can be prepared for medical events while caring for an older loved one during the 2021 “Caregiver Training Camp.”
– Video
– Powerpoint presentation (PDF)

“Untangling Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias“: Dementia expert Dr. Tam Cummings, PhD., discusses the different types of dementia, and how caregivers can navigate the difficulties of caring for a loved one who is living with dementia, at the 2022 GPS: Navigation for Caregivers Conference.
– Part 1
– Part 2
– Q&A Session

“What Does the Future Hold for Caregiving?”:  Bob Stephen, Vice President of Family Caregiving and Long Term Care at AARP, discusses lessons learned during the past few years, and what the future entails for family caregivers, during their caregiving journey during the 20th annual “Striking a Balance” Caregiver Conference.
– Video
– Powerpoint slides (PDF)

“What’s Next After My Caregiver Journey Ends?”: Author, national speaker, and caregiving expert Marty Richards discusses grief and how we regain our lives after our caregiving journey ends during the 2020 Striking a Balance Caregiver Conference.
– Video
– Powerpoint slides (PDF format)

“When It’s Not Alzheimer’s Disease”: Sarah Hyde-Williams, CDP, CADDCT, CDCM, CMDCP, CALM, and founder of Senior Living Advisors of Austin, discusses the different types of dementia, along with their causes and treatments, during the 2021 “GPS: Navigation for Caregivers” Conference.
– Video
– Powerpoint presentation (PDF)

“Aging Answers” podcasts – practical answers to your caregiver questions:
– “What is the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?”
– “What is respite care?”
– “Is memory loss a normal part of aging?“
– “How do you answer difficult questions asked by someone with dementia?”
– “Why do people with dementia ask the same questions repeatedly?”
– “Tips for selecting home health care”
– “When should you reveal your medical diagnosis?”
– “What are support groups, and why are they important to self-care?”

“Caregiver to Caregiver” podcasts – caregiver advice and suggestions from fellow caregivers:
– “Episode #1” – create a special space for your loved one with dementia
– “Episode #2” – tips that caregivers need to consider when selecting home health care

Adult Day Health Care – News story by Time Warner Cable News 8 Austin about the adult day health care as a long-term care option for senior adults.

Communication Tips to Reduce Difficult Dementia Behaviors – Alzheimer’s Association video that’s full of practical, useful communication tips that have worked in countless real-life situations.

Respite: Caring for the Caregiver – informational video from Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area, and featuring members, families, and staff of the AGE Round Rock Adult Day Health Center.

“What Does Long-Term Care Include?” – informative video and website from the National Institute on Aging.