The first day of classes for schools began this week. This a friendly reminder to drivers to slow down in school zones. As students go back to school, police will be monitoring school zones throughout our listening area.

The Lions Club Park Senior Center in Killeen is located at 1700-B East Stan Schlueter Loop is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm. This recreation center is for adults 55 and older, offering an extensive variety of activities and classes intended to enhance and enrich the lives of active adults in our community. Information available at killeentexas.gov or by calling (254) 501-6399.

Events this coming week include:  

• Tuesday, August 20th
  • Overview of Medicare Changes with Ms. Fong at 9am.
  • Free Haircuts with Yahweh Beauty Academy at 9:30am  
• Thursday, August 22nd Veteran’s Health Fair at 10am  
• Friday, August 23rd Food Safety with Texas A&M at 10am.

The Harker Heights Senior Recreation Program is designed for ages 50 and up. All activities are held at the Recreation Center, located at 307 Miller’s Crossing and they can be contacted at (254) 953-5683.

In 1976 a group of area seniors began meeting on a weekly basis at local churches to share in activities. Over the years, this fellowship effort grew into what is today the Belton Senior Activity Center. They are located at 842 Mitchell Street in Belton and can be contacted at (254) 770-7958 or you can visit their website at beltonseniorcenter.org.  

In Belton, this coming Thursday, August 22nd, city offices will be closed to allow employees to participate in a city wide training initiative. They will still remain fully responsive to all emergency operations.

The Copperas Cove Senior Center is located at 1012 North Drive, Suite 5 in Copperas Cove. They are managed and operated by the Hill Country Community Action Association, information at HCCAA.com or by calling (254)  547-6022.

Georgetown Parks and Recreation offers a variety of programs and services to enhance the quality of life for active seniors 55 and better. Activities include cultural events, travel, fitness and wellness, technology classes, fine arts, socializing with friends new and old, dancing, and more!   For more information about our senior programs, contact Robert Staton, Senior Program Coordinator, at robert.staton@georgetown.org or (512) 930-1367.   The Georgetown Parks and Recreation Center also has a very informative website you can check out now at parks.georgetown.org.

The Sul Ross Boot Scootin’ Dance Club has been serving Waco and the surrounding area since 1978. Open dances are held each Thursday night from 7:00 pm until 9:15 pm unless designated otherwise. The admission fee is $6:00. Styles of dance include two steps, polka, waltzes and even the occasional chicken dance. Line dancers are always welcome.   This coming Thursday, August 22nd, music will be provided by Out of the Blue. Information at sulrossdanceclub.org or check out their Facebook page, Boot Scootin’ Dance at Sul Ross.

The Waco VA Regional Office, located at 701 Clay Avenue in Waco, will be hosting a Women Veteran’s Claims Clinic on Tuesday, August 27th from noon to 6pm.   Women Veterans will be able to speak one-on-one with expert staff from the Waco VA Regional Office who are ready to assist with specific questions regarding claims for VA benefits and the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program.   For more information about VA benefits, go to http://benefits.va.gov/benefits/ or call 800-827-1000. For information about VA benefits, visit www.va.gov.

For many families, late summer ushers in the annual ritual known as “back to school.” Dreaded by kids and celebrated by parents, the return to school marks a time of transition to more rigid schedules after a few months of fun and flexibility.   But for sandwich generation caregivers – those who are raising a family while caring for a parent – the new school calendar and all the activities associated with it can add to an already hectic schedule.   National surveys have found that there are approximately 11 million sandwich generation caregivers, with approximately 2.5 million caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. And, the number of sandwich generation caregivers is expected to grow as Baby Boomers increasingly move into retirement age and live longer lives.   Because the toll of Alzheimer’s weighs heavily on caregivers who are also raising a family, finding a balance can require major sacrifices. Of the more than 11 million unpaid Alzheimer’s caregivers in the United States, with just over one million here in Texas, almost 60% cite chronic health conditions, over 26% report depression, and over half report tardiness or absences at work. To compensate, caregivers often have to leave their jobs or ask children to take on extra responsibilities.   Despite its many challenges, it is possible for sandwich generation caregivers to manage their responsibilities effectively while maintaining their overall health and well-being. The Alzheimer’s Association offers these tips:

• Take Care of Yourself – It can be easy to neglect your health while caring for others, but making sure you are healthy can help you be a better caregiver to others. Try to eat well, exercise and get plenty of rest. Carving out just 30 minutes a day for yourself to do something you enjoy (exercise, reading or watching TV) can go a long way to reducing caregiver stress. The Alzheimer’s Association offers these specific tips for recognizing and relieving caregiver stress. 
• Maintain Good Communication – A major stressor for sandwich generation caregivers is feelings of guilt when caregiving tasks detract from time spent with family. Help your spouse/partner and children understand the demands you’re facing and enlist their help and support. A 2017 Alzheimer’s Association survey found that 91 percent of Americans believe it “takes a village” to care for a person living with Alzheimer’s, but many caregivers fail to ask for help.  
• Seek Support – Contact the Alzheimer’s Association or use our online Community Resource Finder to locate dementia care resources in your area. Adult day programs, in-home assistance, companions and meal delivery are just some of the services that can help you manage daily tasks. Visit the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center to learn more and access care training resources, including free online workshops. The Alzheimer’s Association Capital of Texas Chapter offers respite care funding.  
• Talk to Your Employer – A 2015 AARP report found that 53 percent of employed caregivers indicate their employers offered flexible work schedules. Some companies allow remote work. Discuss potential accommodations that can be made that will allow you to remain productive at work while balancing caregiver responsibilities at home.  
• Know You’re Doing Your Best – Remember that the care you provide makes a difference and that you are doing the best you can. You may feel guilty because you can’t do more, but you are only one person. Identify priorities and focus on those tasks most essential. Delegate lesser responsibilities to others. For support and encouragement, join ALZConnected, our online caregiver community, or a support group in your area.   To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia and find local support services and resources, visit alz.org/texascapital.