Elder Care Events

In response to many requests from employees and students who are caring for an aging adult, Life & Work Connections, in partnership with Pima Health System Caregiving Education & Support Program, is pleased to announce the formation of a monthly caregiver support group.

Beginning April 23, 2008, the “open-ended” support group will meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month, and will be facilitated by Master’s level professionals known in the Tucson area for their expertise in caregiving, aging and health care. Participants may attend on a regular basis or less frequently, as needed.

According to Jan Sturges, Caregiving Coordinator at Life and Work Connections, “This University of Arizona community collaboration will enable our department to expand the scope of resources available to employees and students who are caring for a dependent older adult. Research indicates that caregivers are at least 30-40% more likely to experience symptoms of stress and burnout than the general population. Caregivers also report that some of the most difficult aspects of caregiving are loneliness and isolation. Networking with other caregivers is a healthy way for them to connect with people who have similar concerns, and to share ideas for coping with the daily issues they face. Participating in a caregiver support group is a great way to refocus, re-energize and rebalance.”

For more information about the caregiver support group, or to schedule an elder care consultation, please contact Jan Sturges at 626.4770 or sturgesj@email.arizona.edu

Original air date: Wednesday, April 2nd 8:00PM KUAT6
Go to: http://tv.azpm.org/kuat/ to view the documentary and follow-up panel, “A Tucson Conversation About Caring”

This documentary takes a look at the stories of five families and the impact of caring for aging parents. Following the 90-minute national PBS broadcast, KUAT's Bill Buckmaster will lead "A Tucson Conversation About Caring," a one-hour panel discussion featuring Tucson area professionals who work in the field of aging, health care and caregiving. They will offer specific suggestions for providing care to parents who need assistance.

Included on this panel is a staff member of Human Resources' UA Life & Work Connections, Jan Sturges, Caregiving Coordinator, Elder Care and Life Cycle Resources. Be sure to tune in for an informative evening on how to balance work and family life during the caregiver years.

For more information on caregiver resources, or to schedule an elder care consultation, contact Jan Sturges, Caregiving Coordinator, at 626-4770 or sturgesj@email.arizona.edu