HHD Host Inaugural Caregivers Conference 

The Houston Health Department (HHD), Harris Country Area Agency on Aging (HCAAA) and the Care Connection Aging & Disability Resource Center hosted the first inaugural Caregivers Conference on November 3. Themed Caregiving: One Minute at a Time, the event aimed to provide resources and support to caregivers and empower them in their demanding yet vital role in our society.

The agencies promoted initiatives that enable older adults, persons with disabilities, and veterans to age in place in their communities by working in partnership with aging, disability and veteran networks to sustain support systems and educate caregivers on resources available to them.

“With an increasing older adult population and people with disabilities living longer, the need for caregiving is growing,” HCAAA Bureau Chief Paula Johnson said. “By acting strategically, public health professionals can stimulate needed changes to systems that improve the health of both caregivers and care recipients.”

The conference began with comments from representatives from HCAA and HHD followed by remarks from HHD Director Stephen L. Williams and HHD Assistant Director Deborah Moore, both of whom reflected on the hard work and sacrifices that caregivers make to support loved ones.

In Texas, informal caregivers provide an estimate 3.2 billion hours in caregiving services and save the state an estimated $34 billion in healthcare costs. Yet this role is often done for free or with limited aid. The lengths people go to give excellent standards of care to the recipients often leads to caregivers giving a back seat to their needs. This can result in compassion fatigue, stress, mental health issues, financial struggles and burnout.

Breakout sessions addressed these concerns and offered resources and training to combat them daily. Conversations surrounding compassion fatigue, dementia caregiving strategies, making social connections, prioritizing health, and utilizing community resources offered insight into the various methods caregivers can take to minimize the stress in their role.  

Guests also heard an encouraging speech from keynote speaker, author, poet and caregiver, ReShonda Tate. Tate, who is a caregiver for her mother, shared affirming words of wisdom with the audience to motivate them when the role gets tough.

"Sometimes I would just cry,” Tate reflected. “Sometimes I do cry. But it is during those times I remind myself that my mother was probably exhausted when she was running around after me. I am reminded that it is a blessing to be able to do this. Caregiving is an act of love and compassion. Whether you’re taking care of an aging parent, a child with special needs, a spouse with a chronic illness, or a friend going through a tough time, being a caregiver is a selfless endeavor.”

Tate also shared that self-care is an often neglected routine that caregivers should prioritize. When the caregiver feels great, that positive energy can go towards helping their recipient with efficiency.
"Selfcare is not selfish; it’s necessary,” Tate said. “Take time for yourself through exercise, hobbies, or simply resting.”

For more information on caregiving resources, please visit www.houstonhealth.org.