Aging the Last Frontier: Primary and Secondary Knowing the Difference
Presenters: Jean Ballantyne, School of Nursing, Eva Kopacz, School of Social Work, and Rosellen Rosich, Alaska Geriatric Education Center
Care of the elderly and ill loved ones is a challenge for all members of society. What is even more of a challenge for family members and health care professionals is to distinguish between normal aging and disease states that need to be treated. This presentation will provide basic information regarding the inevitable consequences of the aging process and why the distinction between biological functioning that is irreversible and that which is reversible age-associated is important for the layperson.
Link to powerpoint from this presentation.
Please register below for catering  purposes.

Friday, Feb.  29
11:30-1pm
GHH 103

Aging Parents: What Do I Think About
Presenters:  Eva Kopacz, School of Social Work and Lynda Meyer, Senior Services Coordinator, Municipality of Anchorage, DHHS
Family roles shift as our parents' age. Elderly parents may require assistance with tasks they once managed independently. These shifting roles are challenging for both parent and child emotionally and technically and raise a multitude of questions and concerns for both the caregiver and the care recipient. What should we do for our parents? When should we do it? What if they don't want assistance? How do we plan for the future? What information do we need? How do we talk about it with our parents and siblings? How do we deal with family members when conflict arises? This presentation will provide concrete information and a framework to help plan with your parents and other family members for the future. In addition we will create a forum to talk about the emotional challenges inherent in these changing relationships and how we can meet these challenges with grace and balance in our own lives.

Handouts & Powerpoint

• Powerpoint
• Important Papers Handout
• Personal Information Worksheet
• Home Care Information
• Red Flags
• Bibliography
  

Friday,
March 21
11:30-1pm
GHH 105

Family Medical Leave and Share the Care :  "A network of family and friend"
Presenters:  Gail Ealy with UAA Human Resource Services on Family Medical Leave; Tina Delapp and Chris Mumma, School of Nursing on Share the Care Program.
What faculty and staff need to do to access and utilize family medical leave to take care of an ill loved one will be discussed. In addition, an innovative care program being utilized in the School of Nursing that provides assistance to individuals who do not have family members within Alaska will be described.

Share the Care website:  http://www.sharethecare.org/

Click Here for HRS Presentation on Family Medical Leave

Tuesday,
April 8
11:30-1pm
GHH 105

For the growing population of older Americans aged 65 years or older—expected to reach more than 71 million by 2030—difficulties with health literacy can complicate already challenging health problems. Health literacy has to do with how well people understand and are able to use health information to take action on their health. Health literacy will be discussed during this session as well as experiences that participants have had with the medical establishment in interacting with their ill loved ones. Please bring your experiences and willingness to share with the group.
Link to powerpoint for this presentation.
Please register below for catering  purposes.

Friday,
April 18
11:30-1pm
GHH 105