CAPCOG’s Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area (AAACAP) and AGE of Central Texas conducted the annual Striking a Balance Family Caregiver Conference virtually for the first time. It reached about 200 caregivers during live, online sessions but will continue to serve caregivers as an educational web series.
“Each year participation at this conference amazes us because of the lessons caregivers tell us they are taking home to their loved ones,” said Patty Bordie, AAACAP director. “We’re excited those lessons can go beyond the conference doors and can continue to educate caregivers from around the region and the world by posting each webinar online. The unexpected need to conduct the conference virtually to protect our caregivers from COVID-19 was a blessing. We now know this can be done effectively and are certain the virtual platform increases access to caregivers in need of education and support.”
This year’s conference featured Marty Richards, a gerontology focused therapist and author, who discussed staying positive while caregiving and what to expect when a caregiver’s journey is complete. Other conference topics included providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic, financial planning for caregivers, providing long-distances caregiving, keeping your loved ones active and engaged, and providing care for family members in long-term care facilities.
