Free “Caregiver Training Camp” Conference to Now Be Virtual on February 5th  

Press Release – Special to MyKNCT.com    

Due to the continuing rise in COVID-19 cases throughout Central Texas, the free caregiver support conference “Caregiver Training Camp” – hosted by AGE of Central Texas on Saturday, February 5th – will now be virtual instead of in-person as previously planned.  

The conference is a joint effort between regional non-profit organization AGE of Central Texas and the Williamson County EMS Community Health Paramedic program, who partnered last year to help reduce repeat calls and prevents falls with older adults in the rural areas of Williamson County. 

AGE provides the Williamson County EMS Community Health Paramedic program with donated durable medical equipment to take on emergency calls – such as walkers, wheelchairs, and other mobility and safety devices – to be given to older adults who are at risk of falls or need assistive equipment to remain safe within their homes.    

The conference will assist first-time caregivers – and in particular, those living in rural areas of Central Texas – to better manage the dynamics of their new caregiving role has been an outgrown of the partnership.     The “Caregiver Training Camp” will launch at 9:00 a.m. with the first session, “I’m a Caregiver, Now What?!”  CaregiverU Program Associate Mary Etuk will discuss useful information about what to do early on in the caregiving journey, the importance of self-care, and different options available for respite care.    

In the second session at 10:30 a.m., Lina Supnet-Zapata –Executive Director and Managing Partner for MIR Care Consultants, Inc. – will address “Tackling Medical Issues,” discussing medication management, what to do in the event of an older adult’s hospitalization, and how to effectively provide home-based health care.    

The third session at noon will discuss “Practical Tools for Dementia Caregiving” with Sarah Hyde-Williams, owner of Senior Living Advisors of Texas.  The final session at 1:00 p.m. will address “The Caregiver Playbook,” with Natalie Alcorta, AGE of Central Texas Resources & Information Center Director, discussing how to find and access area resources, creating a community of support, and answering attendees specific caregiving questions.    

Registration for the conference is free, but space is limited.  Participants can register by calling (512) 600-9275, or online at http://www.TinyURL.com/AGEcamp2022.     For more information on the programs and resources provided by AGE of Central Texas, visit www.AGEofCentralTX.org or call (512) 451-4611.

AGE of Central Texas is a leading regional non-profit delivering services, education, and assistance supporting the area’s rapidly growing population of older adults and their caregivers.  Serving residents in Central Texas, AGE’s six core programs include adult day health care, caregiver education, early memory loss support, health equipment lending, resource information, and peer-based computer classes for older adults. Founded in 1986, AGE’s services cultivate strength, compassion, and community. For more information, visit www.AGEofCentralTX.org or call (512) 451-4611.