Cook: Central Texas’ aging population, caregivers need more services

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Central Texas regions hosts the second fastest growing population of adults 65 and older and the fastest growing population of adults 55 to 64.

The Aging Services Council of Central Texas reports that by 2040 more than a half-million seniors, or 517,772, will live in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties and comprise nearly 18 percent of the Central Texas population.

Many seniors already do or will rely on adult caregivers, who are often family members.

AGE of Central Texas, a nonprofit, operates licensed activity and health service centers in Round Rock and Austin for seniors. The Thrive Social and Wellness Centers provide daytime care for older adults with physical or cognitive needs, with 90% suffering from memory loss or dementia.

These centers also provide caregivers who are still in the workforce a place that is safe, engaging and active for their senior loved ones. They also serve as a place of respite for other caregivers.

On a typical day at one of the centers, members enjoy coffee, breakfast and conversation until about 10 a.m. After that, they can participate in activities scheduled throughout the day focused on both mental and physical stimulation.

The centers are open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

In a 2018 survey conducted by AGE of 400 Central Texas residents, one in 10 consider themselves a caregiver to an older adult and three in 10 say they will be one in the future, while almost one in five are not sure.

Women are more likely than men to say they are or will be a caregiver to an older adult (46% vs. 35%).

The survey respondents listed four major concerns in caring for an older adult: personal stress and/or depression, making good care choices for the older adult, their personal health and uncertainty of finances.

In 2021, AGE plans to open a Thrive Center in south Austin licensed for 75 people, which will serve south Travis, Hays and Bastrop counties.

AGE Executive Director Suzanne Anderson is asking for help in finding a new location for the Round Rock Thrive Center, because they currently have 51 members (some of whom don't attend the center daily) and a waiting list of more than 30.

"In order to serve the growing number of folks who need our Thrive Center services, we will need to move in 2020," she said. "We will need at least 4,500 square feet of space, as well as access to outdoor space. We would love help with reduced or free rent."

Anderson added that they plan to build a larger, permanent facility in Williamson County with easy accessibility for those dropping off their loved ones and that would include training rooms and office spaces.

The daily average revenue per person attending a center is $45, but it costs an average of $85 for every 10 hours of service.

The centers accept Medicaid, VA benefits, long-term care insurance or private pay of $65 per day, but that can be adjusted based on income.

At the Round Rock location, 39% pay through Medicaid, 14% with Veterans' benefits and 47% out-of-pocket.

The facility has seven trained staff members, including a licensed vocational nurse. State law requires a ratio of one employee for every eight members.

While grants and foundations, individual donors, sponsorships and a few special events provide funding for the centers, the facility must rely on volunteers, particularly those available on a weekly basis.

If you're looking for community involvement, consider these centers. The Round Rock facility has five regular volunteers and several groups who provide entertainment throughout the year.

AGE also provides medical equipment and incontinence items to older adults in need and accepts in-kind donations.

View AGE wish lists on Pinterest, tinyurl.com/y6duv4op, and on Amazon, tinyurl.com/y3eyvoza.

For more information on the Thrive Centers, AGEofCentralTX.org or call 512-451-4611.

We lack a national policy and funding for adequate programs and services as our senior population continues to expand along with their need for caregivers. This nation needs to take a serious look at this problem and develop a fully funded national policy.

Terry Cook is county commissioner of Precinct 1, which includes Round Rock, Brushy Creek and Northwest Austin.

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