Hickory – Adult Children of Aging Parents (ACAP) presents The Balancing Act: Work, Home and Caring for Aging Parents on Tuesday, October 8 at Kingston Residence (904 2nd St. NE, Hickory, NC.)

Taking care of your aging parents can be difficult, and you may need some help. Presenters Beth Harris Brandes, MSW, Consultant; and Cynthia Eades, Director, Human Relations, Catawba County will provide you that help.

Caregiving for your adult parents can take a toll on your finances, work productivity, and physical and mental stress. Women in the workforce has changed in the past 50 years, with family distances, new technology and communication. These geographic and emotional stresses can make caregiving that much more difficult. Therefore, communication is key for the employer and employee as well as with colleagues. As a caregiver in the workforce, you need to have an approach for talking to your employer as well as promoting cultural and policy changes to support those caring for adult loved ones, not just those with children.

Sometimes you need to step back and look for solutions. Help is available through Family Medical Leave, Employee Assistance Plans, and Flex Schedules. When is it time to get help, look for resources in your community, such as Meals on Wheels, Adult Life Programs, and organizations such as PACE@Home (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly). Home care organizations and in-the-home skilled medical care and others can make life a little easier.

ACAP Hickory provides information, resources, support and community for adult children as we care for our aging parents and for ourselves. ACAP Hickory meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church (2780 North Center Street, Hickory), unless otherwise noted. While the FREE monthly educational programs are designed for adult-child caregivers, programs are open to all. Advance registration is requested in order to facilitate planning.

To register for ACAP Hickory programs, please email [email protected] or call 828-610-5741.