Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzanne Anderson.
Hi Suzanne, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in the Dallas area and found myself in Central Texas in my 20’s, attending Trinity University in San Antonio and obtaining a MA in Educational Psychology. Once out of school, I went to work for Special Olympics Texas, which began a long career in non-profit management. After working with Special Olympics Texas for 26 years, I had the opportunity of a lifetime and switched gears to a focus on older adults and caregivers. Working at AGE of Central Texas has been an incredible privilege. The organization had been important to me personally as I navigated the journey of caregiving for my father. I used AGE’s services as part of creating a care plan for him because it was his desire to age in place in his home. I came to work with AGE after his passing, but with a unique understanding of what it is to caregiver for a parent.
Outside of work, I am an avid outdoor person who played soccer most of her life but has transitioned to pickle ball, cycling, and whatever other outdoor activity strikes my interest. I also devote time walking dogs at the Austin Humane Society, and I am the current President of the USA Deaf Soccer Association.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think one of the largest obstacles is societies’ perception of what aging means. Our visual messaging on television, magazines, and media in general focuses on what we value – which is youth. We miss the unique strength of what an older adult brings to work, to community, and through connection.
Second, our Central Texas 65-and-older population is growing, and caring for these older adults is creating an emotional and financial strain on their caregivers, who are often family members. Family caregivers often do not self-disclose that they are caregiving or even recognize themselves as caregivers, so there is little preparation or planning prior to taking on those duties. Typically, we will start working with a caregiver after an acute issue has occurred with their care partner and they realize that they need assistance.
Third, accessing in-home care or care in a facility is very expensive and out of the reach of for many. AGE has two licensed adult day health centers in Central Texas – our Thrive Social & Wellness Centers. We are working toward opening a 3rd and possibly a 4th center in the next two years. Adult day health centers are the most affordable option to that allow a caregiver to work or have respite, and our Thrive Centers their give care recipient a full day of activities, nutritious meals, socialization, and medical oversight by a nurse. AGE has a Medicaid and VA contract, although Medicaid only reimburses $32 a day – which is only a fraction of what it costs to provide these services on a daily basis.
Exacerbating the Medicaid reimbursement issue is the challenge of fundraising in this space. Only 2% of philanthropic giving goes to organizations who serve older adults and family caregivers. Our goal is to remind folks that hopefully, we are all on a path to live a long and full life, which means that organizations such as AGE of Central Texas will be an important part of that journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
AGE of Central Texas
Thrive Social and Wellness Centers:
• Providing vibrant daytime care for older adults with physical or cognitive needs in the longest-operating licensed, non-residential Day Activity and Health Service Centers in Central Texas.
• Specialized care in secure facilities for individuals with dementia or memory loss.
• Locations in Austin and Round Rock, open Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm.
• Full-time nurse at each site to assist with medication management and health monitoring.
• All-inclusive: activities, meals and snacks, and transportation options.
• Activities designed to engage mind and body including music, brain boosters, exercise, and more.
Caregiver Education and Resources:
• Navigation center offering free personalized assistance and guidance by phone, email, or walk-in.
• Free educational seminars, workshops, and conferences, with respite services available.
• Free monthly caregiver support groups in Austin and Round Rock. Call 512-600-9275.
CaregiverU;
• Free evidence-based caregiving courses for non-professional family caregivers.
• Classes offered year-round at convenient locations in Travis, Williamson, Hays, and Bastrop Counties.
• Visit www.CaregiverUcentx.org
Health Equipment Lending Program;
• Free loans of gently-used durable medical equipment and free incontinence products available.
• Call (512) 600-9288 or email Help@AGEofCentralTX.org to request and reserve items.
Memory Connections Online;
• A new program of innovative virtual services for older adults experiencing challenges with their memory or cognition.
• Monthly subscription program offering a variety of 60-90 minute virtual activities throughout the week. Each small group session is interactive and strengths-based.
• In collaboration with you, we create a personalized video meeting schedule to meet your goals, needs, and interests.
• Brain Exercise such as trivia, word, and logic games; Discussion & Reminiscence such as educational and travel presentations; Creative Activities such as live music, art, and creative writing; plus, emotional support groups, physical exercise, and social time to connect with others.
• Email MemoryInfo@AGEofCentralTX.org to schedule a consultation or to request more information.
AGE Computer Lab;
• Peer-to-peer technology instruction and personal coaching for older adults.
• Low-cost classes and seminars on topics ranging from basic computer skills and brain fitness to advanced software and photo editing. Visit www.AGEcomputer.org for class schedules and more information.
How do you define success?
In thinking of the future and what would make a direct impact on a good quality of life for our older adults, the following are just a few thoughts on what would make a difference: • Paying family caregivers and recognizing the value of their commitment
• Creating age-friendly communities with supportive wrap-around service
• Make broadband free or affordable, which will allow more older adults the opportunity to get online
• Create transportation strategies that involve community partners, which would allow older adults to have more independence
• Expand Medicaid in Texas
• Incentivize going to medical school and specializing in gerontology
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@AGEofCentralTX.org
- Website: http://www.aAGEofCentralTX.org
- Instagram: @AGEofCentralTX
- Facebook: @AGEofCentralTX
- Twitter: @AGEofCentralTX
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwDJGzXFAQFQP4rkC-VRcug
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/age-of-central-texas-austin-2
Image Credits
Courtesy of AGE of Central Texas
