"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.

• Paying for Healthcare Services (Monday, August 26, Wilson Library Pleasants Family Room)
  

  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.

• Later-Life Housing:  Finding or Creating the Best Fit (Monday, September 16, 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.

• Help! How Can I Support My Aging Parents? An Overview of Advance Health Care Planning (Monday, September 23, Wilson Library Pleasants Family Room)
  

  Is your parent (or other older person for whom you care) nearing the end of their life? Or are they facing serious illness and you are panicking because they don’t want to talk about it? Don’t know how to get started? Building on the previous session, this workshop talks about making health-related advance care plans with your parents. Betsy Barton of Wake County's Transitions LifeCare will introduce some tools that you can use to begin the conversation with your parents, friends, and loved ones, and offer tips for a successful partnership.

• A Look at the Caregiving Journey (Sept. 30, 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.

Co-sponsored by Partnerships in Aging.

Lunch is provided (but no drinks). Please feel free to arrive early to serve yourself and get seated before the program begins.