Helping older adults and family caregivers THRIVE!

The 23rd annual Striking a Balance Caregiver Conference will be held on August 16th at the Austin Public Library located on 710 W Cesar Chavez St. Austin TX 78701

This annual event is the largest, longest-run free caregiver conference in Central Texas. During this FREE annual conference, family caregivers will discover local resources, learn new skills to meet the needs of their caregiving situation, and connect with other caregivers and local experts on aging.

Session Info

Affordable Care Options: Navigating Support Without Breaking the Bank
This session explores cost-effective care solutions available in Central Texas to help families balance quality care with financial realities. Topics include housing alternatives such as income-based senior apartments and assisted living options; community-based respite programs that offer caregivers a break; adult day health centers that provide supervision, health monitoring, and social engagement at an affordable rate; and in-home care services with options for sliding-scale or subsidized support. Attendees will leave with practical tools and local resources to help plan for sustainable care and improve quality of life for both caregivers and their loved ones.

Planning Ahead: Legal Essentials for Aging and Caregiving Presented by Terry Garrett, Certified Elder Law Attorney
In this essential session, elder law attorney Terry Garrett will guide attendees through the critical legal matters every caregiver and older adult should understand. Topics will include powers of attorney, advance directives, guardianship, Medicaid planning, and protecting assets while ensuring quality care. Attendees will learn how to prepare key legal documents, avoid common pitfalls, and make informed decisions that honor their loved one’s wishes. Whether you’re new to caregiving or planning ahead for yourself or a family member, this session will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the legal landscape of aging with confidence.
 
Keynote Session: The Emotional Journey of Caregiving
Presented by Dr. Barry Jacobs and Dr. Julia Mayer, authors of The AARP Caregiver Answer Book
In this heartfelt and practical keynote, husband-and-wife clinical psychologists Dr. Barry Jacobs and Dr. Julia Mayer draw from their decades of experience—and their new book, The AARP Caregiver Answer Book—to explore the emotional challenges and rewards of caregiving. Through personal stories, expert insights, and actionable guidance, they will address common caregiving struggles such as guilt, burnout, family conflict, and self-care. Attendees will leave feeling seen, supported, and empowered with realistic tools to manage stress and sustain compassion throughout the caregiving journey.

Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors! 

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

KEYNOTE SPONSOR:

LUNCH SPONSOR:

Event Bag:

SESSION SPONSOR:

AGE ACCESSIBILITY SPONSOR:

AGE TRANSPORTATION SPONSOR:

Sponsorship opportunities are still available!

Email Lauren Benavides at LBenavides@AGEofCentralTX.org if interested.