Austin Groups for the Elderly

To help boost local philanthropy, the

I Live Here, I Give Here campaign educates

Central Texans about the many ways non-profits provide solutions to

critical community issues. Show how "you give here" with a donation to Austin Groups for the Elderly.

Another very successful Caregiver Seminar. AGE had an overflow crowd for the
1^st Caregiver Seminar of 2010, "Communication Tips and Behaviors in Dementia!"
Co-Hosted with the Alzheimer’s Association. We were thrilled by the large turn-out and lively discussion during the presentation. Below are some of the community resources shared during the presentation.

Don’t miss out on the rest of our 2010 seminars. Mark your calendars now!

     March 6: Exploring Respite Options for Caregivers
     April 24: To Be Announced (with Financial Fitness Greater Austin)
     May 8: To Be Announced
     July 10: To Be Announced
     September 18: 9th Annual Striking A Balance Conference
     November 13: To Be Announced

Thank you again to those who attended and we hope you will join us again soon!

Annette Juba LMSW, Deputy Director: ajuba@ageofaustin.org

Bruce Kravitz, Community Education Director: bkravitz@ageofaustin.org

Local Memory Loss Resources

Alzheimer’s Association

http://www.alz-austin.org/

Please call or click the link for more information on Support Groups, Safe Return or other resources. (512) 241-0420 or (800) 367-2132.

Caregiver Resource Center at AGE

http://ageofaustin.org/caregiver_resource_center.htm

Free offers educational events, information, referral services and support groups for people who provide care to an aging or disabled adult. 512-451-4611.

Elderhaven Adult Day Centers

http://ageofaustin.org/elderhaven_adult_day_centers.htm

The only licensed adult day health care centers in Travis & Williamson County provide respite for older adults, specializing in care for those with memory loss. 451-4611.

Senior Adult Specialty Healthcare

http://www.senioradults.net/

Dr. Jaron Winston, geriatric psychiatrist. (512) 476-3556.

Early Memory Loss Resources

   People who are in the early stages of memory loss or newly diagnosed with dementia
   may be eligible to participate in free, weekly cognitive intervention programs.
   For more information, contact:

Debbie Wilder, New Connections
at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church: 512-327-1116

Gidget Fisher, MPAC (Memory Powered by Active Connections)
at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church: 512-328-2088

Greater Austin CARES: Collaboration of Alzheimer's Respite Programs is a
network of churches, synagogues, and organizations that offer weekly respite programs
for people with dementia to allow their caregivers to have a much needed break.

For a complete list of programs and locations:
http://greateraustincares.org/blog/?page_id=22

For more senior news and local events updates, check out the AGE Blog

Tools for Caregivers

"Please Be Patient" cards from The Alzheimer’s Store

http://store.nexternal.com/ageless/please-be-patient-card-p229c5.aspx?Thread=True%5C

Use these cards to discreetly let someone know that your loved one has Alzheimer's and it may take them a little longer to make a decision or to excuse them for saying something unexpected.

St David’s Rehabilitation Services Adaptive Driving Program

St. David's Rehabilitation Center offers a comprehensive Adaptive Driving Program, that includes addressing the needs of those with age-related changes, including visual and cognitive challenges.

Project Lifesaver

http://www.tcsheriff.org/projectlifesaver/

Is a program created by law enforcement for law enforcement to help locate adults who wander because of Alzheimer's Disease or another dementia. The program is open to residents of Travis County and is offered free of charge. Clients must be seniors with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease or another dementia who live in a private residence with a full-time caregiver, spouse, or family member. There is a waiting list as of 2/2/10.

Safe Return (also known as MedicAlert + Safe Return)

http://www.alz.org/safetycenter/we_can_help_safety_medicalert_safereturn.asp

A 24-hour nationwide emergency response service for individuals with Alzheimer's or a related dementia who wander or have a medical emergency. Initial enrollment is $54.90 with a $25.00 yearly renewal fee. The family of Morton Plotsky has generously established the Morton Plotsky Safe Return Emblem Fund at the Alzheimer's Association Capital of Texas Chapter to pay the registration fee for qualified applicants. Please call (512) 241-0420 or email us to find out if you qualify for financial assistance.