The Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area is hosting an townhall style conference for family caregivers and care manager organizations to share their experiences and ideas on improving caregiver support in Central Texas.

Attendees will hear from the conference keynote speaker, Jessica Lemann, senior associate state director of outreach and advocacy with AARP Texas, before going into breakout sessions to discuss ideas for additional training, education, respite and other services needed to improve support for family caregivers in the CAPCOG region. The breakout sessions will be participant led discussions moderated by Area Aging on Aging.

Lunch will be provided at this free conference.

Speaker Bios

Jessica Lemann, AARP Texas Senior Associate State Director of Outreach and Advocacy

Lemann has been with AARP for fifteen years beginning her career in the AARP Louisiana office as a senior program coordinator overseeing volunteer programs and serving on its Livable Communities team for the Hollygrove neighborhood of New Orleans in their rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Katrina. Lemann’s last 12 years with AARP have been in Austin. In her current role, she works with volunteers and community partners to bring AARP resources and programming to Central Texas. She also advocates for policies and programs that make Austin an Age Friendly Community for all ages and one where older adults can remain independent in their homes and communities for as long they choose.

Patty Bordie, Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area Director

Patty Bordie, MPA, oversees Older Americans Act services and specialized information, referral and system navigation to long term services and supports. Bordie has worked on program and policy development in evidence-based prevention and wellness interventions, caregiver support programs and service delivery models which promote streamlined community access and successful aging in place for over 20 years. She is an active caregiver, supporting both parents with their plans for health, safety and family connections.

For Questions and Dietary Restrictions

Please contact Shirley Trapani, CAPCOG Aging Service Council & Aging and Disability Resource network coordinator.

Partnerships

The Area Agency on Aging of the Capital has partnered with the Aging Services Council of Central Texas — a collective local nonprofit and government organizations that support older adults — to host the Share Your Voice conference. The conference is an effort to participate in the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support and Engage (RAISE) National Strategies that were developed to expand access to home and community-based services, strengthen the direct care workforce, enhance supports for family caregivers regarding long-term care systems, and understand the challenges family caregivers face.

Partners include: