HHSC Offers Topics for Discussions on Aging During National Family Caregivers Month

HHSC is observing National Family Caregivers Month in November by offering topics to help people feel more comfortable with discussing needs often associated with aging.

HHSC Aging Services Coordination developed the Texas Talks campaign to help caregivers be proactive. By having aging-related conversations with older loved ones, caregivers can understand their concerns, help them make informed decisions and improve their quality of life.

"Caregiving can include having tough conversations, whether you're a spouse, parent or child," said Sara Damiano, director of HHSC Aging Services Coordination. "HHSC programs can help caregivers begin the conversations that help loved ones plan for the future and prevent difficulties down the road."

The theme of this year's Texas Talks campaign is long-term care, and the four topics are:

• Planning. It's important to talk with loved ones about any long-term services they may need. Planning now for future needs can help you and your loved one learn what's available, figure out how to pay for services, and make sure you know your loved one's wishes.
• Care at home. Your loved one may need help to continue living at home. Home care helps people with daily activities like bathing and meal preparation, while home health care helps with medical tasks like speech therapy, physical therapy or wound care.
• Care in a facility. Long-term care facilities include assisted living, continuing care retirement communities and nursing homes. When talking to your loved ones about long-term care, it's important to discuss all the services they might need. Some older adults may need to stay in a nursing home briefly to recover from an injury or surgery, but others may need full-time care for a longer period.
• Paying for care. Discussing the cost of long-term care can give you and your loved one a chance to explore benefit programs and find the right type of long-term care.

Visit the HHSC Texas Talks webpage to learn more. HHSC also offers support for caregivers by promoting self-care and offering trainings and other resources.