"Elder Care: A Series" provides a broad overview of several of the issues and resources related to caring for an elder loved one. Each session focuses on a separate topic, and participants may attend all or some sessions.

• A Look at the Caregiving Journey (Sept. 12, Wilson Library Pleasants Family Room)
  

  Caring for an aging family member presents many complex challenges. Paul Klever, Executive Director of the Charles House Association, will lead a look at the phases and changes over the caregiving journey. This session will start with a brief review of topics the other sessions will cover.

• Later-Life Housing:  Finding or Creating the Best Fit (Sept. 19, Wilson Library Pleasants Family Room)
  

  Many adults will struggle to stay in homes that are not designed to accommodate our changing needs. We all want to live comfortably and safely in our homes, wherever they are or whatever they look like. We must anticipate and adapt to the changes associated with our aging. Cherie Rosemond, the Director of UNC's Partnerships in Aging, and Jenny Womack, Professor in UNC's Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, will explain the housing options already available, including nursing homes, assisted living, eldercare, and shared housing. They will also discuss ways to create or adapt existing housing for "best fit."

• Perspectives on Caring (Sept. 26, Wilson Library Pleasants Family Room)
  

  This session will explore caregivers' experiences as their relationships with their family members evolve. Willetha Barnette, founder of the Institute for Family Caregiving, Inc. and author of The Caregiver’s Secrets, and Lisa Gwyther, a social worker from the Duke (Alzheimer’s) Family Support Program, will lead a conversation for caregivers to examine their own experiences and changing roles.

• UNC and Community Resoources (Oct. 3, Health Sciences Library 527)

  Jessica Pyjas, UNC HR's Work/Life and Wellness Program Manager, will introduce the benefits and resources available for caring for elders and other dependent adults. Dennis Streets, Executive Director of the Chatham County Council on Aging, will review community, county, and state resources available in the Triangle and in many North Carolina counties.

• Paying for Healthcare Services (Oct. 10, Health Sciences Library 527)
  

  Jeanne Chamberlin, Coordinator for SHIIP & VITA Programs with the Orange County Department on Aging, will cover the basics of Medicare and the State Health Plan for retirees.  We will also discuss Long Term Care Insurance, Medicaid and other programs to reduce medical and drug costs.  The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is a division of the NC Dept of Insurance and provides free and unbiased education and assistance in understanding Medicare costs, benefits and options.

Co-sponsored by Partnerships in Aging.

Lunch is provided. Please feel free to arrive early to serve yourself and get seated before the program begins.