Join us on November 7th for “Who Cares? We do!” a free conference on caregiver needs, services and resources
East Texas AAA • October 24, 2019
In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, ETCOG’s Area Agency on Aging of East Texas has joined with the St. Louis Baptist Church of Tyler’s Comfort and Care Ministry to bring a free conference for caregivers, “Who cares? We do!”. The conference is designed to offer caregivers – families and individuals in East Texas caring for loved ones with chronic, disabling health conditions – with information and resources needed to carry out their role as caregiver. The conference will include presentations from local experts on Opioid Misuse Prevention, Medicare Enrollment, Services in the Aging Network, and featured presentations, “What Makes the Impossible, Possible,”
from care recipient, Wendell Jeffery, and “Lessons Learned from Ms. Jessie & Me,”
from motivational speaker, Lawandra Smith.
“As loved ones age, debilitating disease, chronic health conditions or simple frailty can arise in a family, and one may end up a caregiver, sometimes unexpectedly,” said ETCOG’s Area Agency on Aging Director, Bettye Mitchell. “While some employ paid providers, most rely on assistance from families, friends and neighbors, who soon become “on call" 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We see the role stress plays in the lives of family caregivers who are trying to do too much with too few resources. This conference is here to support and guide individuals in their caregiving role.”
“Who cares? We do!”
Caregivers Conference will be held on Thursday, November 7th, at the St. Louis Baptist Church located at 4000 Frankston Hwy., from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Lunch will be provided.
“Caregivers are a gift of honor,” says Rev. Ralph E. Caraway, Sr., senior pastor of the St. Louis Baptist Church. “St. Louis’ Comfort and Care Ministry and I are dedicated to honoring those who give so much of themselves.”
Pre-registration is needed by Tuesday, November 6th to participate. For reservations, please call (903) 595-5212 or email Juanita.Padron@etcog.org.
The Marshall-Harrison County Health District invites community members to attend the next Building Healthy Futures class, Navigating Aging, on Thursday, July 30, at 1:00 p.m. at the Harrison County AgriLife Extension Office (2005 Warren Drive, Marshall, Texas). Presented by the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas, this free educational class is designed to introduce older adults, caregivers, and family members to valuable programs and resources that support healthy, independent living. Participants will learn about the Area Agency on Aging's evidence-based intervention programs, which are designed to promote wellness, prevent falls, manage chronic health conditions, and improve overall quality of life. Attendees will also enjoy a nutritious snack provided during the class. In addition to the presentation, the Area Agency on Aging will conduct a brief community survey to gather input on the types of aging-related classes and services residents would like to see offered in Marshall and Harrison County. Community feedback will help shape future educational opportunities to better meet local needs. "Building Healthy Futures is about connecting our community with trusted resources that support health and well-being at every stage of life," said Jennifer Hancock, Executive Director of the Marshall-Harrison County Health District. "We're excited to partner with the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas to learn more about the classes and services they offer." The class is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended by visiting mhchd.org or by contacting the Marshall-Harrison County Health District at 903-938-8338.
Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme was “Champion Your Health.” In recognition of the month, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas hosted three community events in Jacksonville, Marshall, and Athens, bringing together older adults, caregivers, staff, volunteers, and community partners to celebrate healthy aging and support older adults’ independence. More than 420 people attended the three events, where they received information and heard from experts on senior services, exercise programs, fraud and scams, and ways to take an active role in managing their health. Activities included on-site health screenings, evidence-based activity demonstrations, a Dementia Live demonstration, and the TxDOT Car Fit Program for Seniors. At some events, local officials also read proclamations recognizing May as Older Americans Month, including Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis, who presented the proclamation in Jacksonville. “We encourage older East Texans and their caregivers to connect with our agency to learn more about the resources and services available to help them live independently and remain active in their communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. Special thanks to all event partners, sponsors, volunteers, AAA staff, and participants who helped make these Older Americans Month events a success!
