Caregiver Support: 2009 Spirituality and Aging Conference at OLLU

One of the major concerns of this blog is the needs of the caregiver in our community, particularly those who take care of the elderly. It can be a rewarding effort, but it is also exhausting work.

Caregiver burnout is a real and continuing concern.

This month, there will be an event recognizing the caregiver's needs. It costs $10 (which includes breakfast and lunch) and lasts five hours -- and it might make a major difference in the lives of caregivers here in our area.

The 2009 OLLU Spirituality and Aging Conference

This year's Spirituality and Aging Conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on September 19, 2009, in Our Lady of the Lake University's Providence Hall (click for map). It will be telecast live in both Spanish and English (go to http://www.mmlearn.org/), and there are already remote locations set up for the Conference in Uvalde, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Carrizo Springs.

Dr. James Huysman of Leeza's Place / Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundn Will Speak

The Conference's Keynote Speaker will be Miami's Dr. James Huysman. Dr Hysman is co-founder of The Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation (which provides Leeza's Place here in SA) and the co -author of Take Your Oxygen First: Protecting Your Health and Happiness While Caring for a Loved One with Memory Loss. He will speak on "The Ten Commandment of Careglving," with a focus on how people can help care for the caregiver.

Other topics to be covered at the conference include dealing with grief and loss; the basics of dementia; and finding meaning in caregiving.

Here's hoping local caregivers and their loved ones can attend the Conference

Sounds like a very informative Saturday for everyone, and we hope that local caregivers and their families can find a way to attend.

Wish there were more events like this during the year....

[Click here to print the Conference Brochure.]

CareGiver Support: Caring for the Elderly

1. CAPS (Children of Aging Parents)

For full information, check out their national website. This organization hosts local support groups, providing information and support for children caring for elderly parents.

There are several meeting choices. For the location nearest you call 684-7080, ask for Jim Vaughn, email him at caps4sa@yahoo.com, or just attend a meeting. Current groups are meeting:

11:30 a.m.
first Thursdays of the month
Incarnate Word Retirement Center, 4707 Broadway
For more information, call facilitator Jill Trevino at 829-7661.

6:15 p.m.
first Thursdays of the month
Jewish Community Center/Family & Children's Services, 12500 Northwest Military Drive
For more infomation, call facilitator Jim Vaughn at 684-7080.

6:15 p.m.
second Wednesdays of the month
call for street location, Helotes.
For more information, call facilitator Carol Deel at 647-0336.



2. Alzheimer's or Dementia Caregivers Support
This is a local support group focusing upon the special needs of those caring for loved ones suffering from Alzheimer's Disease or various forms of dementia. This group meets:

11:30 a.m.
first Wednesdays of the month
Homewood Residence, 1207 Jackson Keller, Bldg. 2.
For more information, call Janice Brake 375-8132 or email her at jbrake@arclp.com.


[Information correct as of June 18, 2007.]