GE of Central Texas is a regional nonprofit or ganization that offers various services for older adults and caregivers to help make aging a posi tive journey for everyone.
The nonprofit was founded in 1986 by civic leaders in the community who were getting older and realized there was no one-stop-shop service to help senior citizens in the community. It acquired a 100-year-old building in Central Austin that had been empty for years to create the very first senior center in Central Texas – yet it also serves neighboring areas, including Hays County.
“We were known as Austin Groups for the Elderly because we were basically just landlords of a building,” said Rob Faubion, AGE of Central Texas chief engagement officer.
Faubion said AGE of Central Texas has embarked on a major campaign to grow the organization, with their first step being the South Center located at Southpark Meadows.
The South Center, a 20,000-square-foot facili ty, was designed by a team of architects, experts and AGE staff to meet the needs of older adults. The South Center facility is expected to double the number of individuals AGE reaches per year and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2023.
“We’re very excited about the South Center because studies have shown that the South Austin and Hays County areas specifically are what health professionals call a ‘resource desert,’ that there are a lot of people living in the area who are older, but there aren’t a lot of resources to support them. And there are a lot of caregivers in the area and not resources to support them,” Faubion said.
AGE of Central Texas is currently in the public phase of fundraising for the South Center. Those interested in donating to the South Center may do so on the campaign website: http://agethrivecam paign.org/.
According to Faubion, AGE of Central Texas has a three-pronged plan. The first is to build the center in the south Austin area. The second is to rehab AGE of Central Texas’ historic campus, and the third is to build another large center in the Wil liamson County area so they can better serve the northern regions of Central Texas.
AGE of Central Texas also offers different pro grams to assist older adults like AGE’s Memory Connections Online Program. AGE’s Memory Con nections Online Program is a subscription-based program that offers engaging, small group activ ities like creative writing and art designed spe cifically for those experiencing mild to moderate memory loss or changes in cognition. Another program AGE of Central Texas offers is the AGE Thrive Social & Wellness Centers, which provides daytime care for adults with memory loss or phys ical needs.
AGE of Central Texas also has a Health Equip ment Lending Program, which offers a wide va riety of health and mobility equipment at no cost and no-time-limit loans.
Individuals with disabilities or those in need can call the AGE of Central Texas office at 512-6009288 or email Equipment@AGEofCentralTX.org to see if the needed equipment is in stock. AGE of Central Texas offers wheelchairs, elevated toilet seats, canes, shower chairs, benches, and more.
Not only does AGE of Central Texas pro vide resources for older adults, but it also provides extensive resources for caregivers through their CaregiverU program. The Caregive rU program offers six courses for caregivers and their family members through no cost year-round online and in-person classes focusing on fall pre vention and training for older adults dealing with dementia.
Other resources AGE of Central Texas provides are an online government guide to government aid programs for senior citizens, tips on how to travel longer and safely as well as dementia respite and support groups.
In addition to his career at AGE of Central Texas, Faubion also cares for his parents, who live inde pendently in the Round Rock area. His father had a brain bleed and earlier this year had what was thought to be an AFib in his heart, but it was a ma jor cardiac issue. As a result, Faubion’s father had to undergo three cardiac surgeries over two weeks.
“Most people, myself included, don’t know what to do when those things happen and so having an organization like AGE of Central Texas that can provide the support, that can provide the informa tion, can help find new resources that you need now because your journey has changed is very important,” Faubion said. “It makes it a lot less
stressful, and you can concentrate on your loved one instead of the situation.”
Faubion’s best advice for caregivers is to realize there is never any shame in asking for help.
“We all, at some point in our lives no matter who we are, need help for something and as caregivers, we need help more often because our situations change, our journeys change and so giving your self permission to ask for help is very important,” Faubion said.
Map of the AGE of Central Texas main office, programs and Austin Thrive Social & Wellness Center.
We were known as Aus tin Groups for the Elderly be cause we were basically just landlords of a building,” –Rob Faubion, AGE of Central Texas Chief Engagement Officer.CONTRIBUTED PHOTO A member of the AGE Thrive Social & Wellness Centers participates in a painting activity.
estled in the small town of Wimberley in the Texas Hill Country, Alexis Pointe Senior Living offers upscale yet com fortable living for its residents.
Alexis Pointe offers independent living, assisted living and memory care to support the various needs of its residents. Located adjacent to the Patsy Glenn Bird Refuge, the facility’s staff has helped maintain the wildlife surround ing its campus so that residents can en joy the diverse birds and wildlife while enjoying the outdoor spaces.
“Something I’m really proud of at Alexis Pointe [is] our entire team is involved with our residents and activities,” said Katy Starr, community relations director. “Even our cook hosts manicures for our residents and the
It still has that small-town feel, everybody knows ev erybody,” – Starr said – “We have a number of regular volunteers that come... We hope that continues.”
caregivers join in. Our maintenance director, whenever he has a building project, will have it on the activities schedule. I think that’s what is really unique about our community – we all get together and get involved.”
Starr added that Alexis Pointe has a resident ambassador program to help new residents as they make the transition and help them feel at home – which is something the facility prides itself on.
Alexis Pointe was decorated by Senior by Design with comfort in mind.
“We have a lot of antiques and it’s kind of rustic decor that doesn’t feel like you are at a hotel room,” Starr said. “It actually feels like you are at a home.”
Starr concluded that the residents at Alexis Pointe thoroughly enjoy welcoming visitors from the outside Wimberley community – it makes their day.
“It still has that small-town feel, everybody knows everybody,” Starr said. “We have a num ber of regular volunteers that come… We are just so overwhelmed by the support that we get from the Wimberley community. We hope that continues.”
The staff at Alexis Pointe interviewed some of its residents and volunteers through social media for them to share their experiences at the facility.
Boots Moore, who became an official resident of Alexis Pointe earlier this year, touched on the food offered.
“I met the chef, the chef can cook,” Moore said in the Facebook video. “He’s got the best
tasting food that I’ve ever been around in a while… and the help and nurses are so kind and sweet! I’m so thankful for it. I’ve got a second home, and I’m thankful for that. It’s a good one.”
Olivia Laird moved to Alexis Pointe in Sep tember 2021 – while she was a new resident at the time, she was welcomed with open arms.
“I have been so accepted by everybody and they have been so kind and good to me,” Laird said. “I have [grown] to become more happy here. If you are considering something, you might want to come by here and just take a peek at what we have to offer. I know it made a difference in my life.”
Lastly, Sharon East from St. Stephen’s Epis copal Church discussed what it has been like to volunteer at Alexis Pointe.
“It is the most welcoming facility we have ever approached,” East explained. “They are really interested in the things that we can do for them and the things they can do for us.”
For more information about what Alexis Pointe has to offer, please visit their website at https://www.civitasseniorliving.com/alexis-pointe-of-wimberley/ or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Alexi sPointeSeniorLiving/.
Carmen Blackwell with the “Great Grand Butterfly” collabora tive mural that residents donated to friends over at the Emily Ann Theatre and Gardens. Alexis Pointe residents and families helped to paint this art piece.
or many retirees, the biggest perk of this season of life is getting to spend more time with grandchildren. While there’s a lot to be said for the simplest moments spent together, it’s also fun to incorporate some special activities into your time with them.
Here are a few of our favorites to help you create lifelong memories with your grandchildren.
Most grandparents have a few recipes that kids look forward to having when they are at Grandma or Grandpa’s house. Rather than just making family favorites before they arrive, schedule a time to make the recipe with your grandchil dren. Not only will they enjoy being in the kitchen with you, but you’ll also have a great opportunity to pass down a family recipe.
Being outdoors in a beautiful place inspires creativity, exposes kids to new
things and offers an opportunity to enjoy a special experience with loved ones. Look for a nearby nature trail, bike path, canoe trip, or hike to experience with your grandchildren.
You probably think that your grandchil dren aren’t interested in your hobbies, but you might be surprised. Not only will they be happy to get a glimpse at some thing you’re passionate about, but they’ll also be excited to learn something new. Whether it’s golf, gardening or fishing, let them give it a try.
They’ll also enjoy sharing something that they’re passionate about with you. Let them pick something that they want to share with you and then be prepared to dive in. It might be a board game, a new dance move, or even a favorite video game, but if you take interest in what they enjoy, you’ll both have a great time.
Whether it’s live theater, a movie, or a concert, you’ll all enjoy the opportunity to go to a special event together. Keep an eye out for local events that you think you all would like and plan an outing. You can make it even more special by taking them out for a lunch or dinner date before hand!
All time with grandchildren is precious, but a little ex tra planning and preparation can ensure that even the simplest activities turn into lifelong memories that you both will cherish.
Sage Plum Creek offers adults aged 55 and over a luxury, resort-style living experience.
By Brittany Anderson
ne residential communi ty is aiming to erase the stigma that getting older means “the end.”
Sage Plum Creek, located off FM 1626 in Kyle, is an active adult community for those aged 55 and over. The com munity offers older adults the opportunity to continue to live
active lifestyles without the everyday stresses that come along with being a homeowner.
The community, which officially opened in May 2022, offers residents a unique experience unlike other stan dard apartment complexes or neighborhoods.
The community styles it self as being an “active adult community,” which Sage Plum Creek sales manager Zachary Brooks says is meant for those seeking “middle ground” — adults who don’t yet need a higher level of care, but want to stay close to family and friends and focus on that part of their lives.
Sage Plum Creek’s focal point is its lifestyle and engagement program. Brooks said that there is something going on “22 to 23 days out of the month” at the community, from salsa dancing and poker night to technology courses and in formation sessions on how to navigate Medicare and insur ance.
“We like to coin it as a cruise ship on land for our residents, because if they’re ever bored here, we’re not doing some thing right,” Brooks said.
The community’s vivacious social calendar isn’t its only ap pealing aspect. Residents are able to participate in a num ber of resident-led events and committees, and the complex offers various sports and out door recreation facilities, game and craft rooms and a com munity clubhouse and lounge. Plus, the modern, pet-friendly apartments feature in-unit appliances like washers and dryers, and maintenance is conveniently taken care of by the Sage Plum Creek team.
But Sage Plum Creek’s mis sion is about more than just offering resort-style living.
Conversations around how we talk about older adults has become an increasingly im portant part of the zeitgeist over the last several years. Lo cal groups like the City of Buda Task Force on Aging have led some of these initiatives, work ing to reduce stigma around getting older.
The task force has discussed and addressed how ageism — prejudice or discrimination regarding a person’s age — affects older adults, and that words matter. For example, using words like “elderly” or “nursing home” can hinder the way older adults view them
selves and their futures.
“Just because you hit a cer tain age and the connotation ‘senior citizen’ is now associ ated with you, you still have value. You still have meaning,” Brooks said. “We’re here to let those gifts shine. … When you move in here, you really get to feel revitalized. It definitely keeps you feeling young, that’s for sure.”
not “downsize,” residents will find it easy to relate to each other at Sage Plum Creek through these similar experi ences.
“That demographic is exactly what we cater to,” Brooks said. “A lot of our residents here are lifetime homeowners. Some have never even lived in apart ments ever in their life. So it’s definitely a transition, but the good thing is they’re going to be around 90% of our commu nity who are in the same boat.
… They have a place now where maintenance and upkeep is a thing of the past, and they can focus on enjoying their golden years.”
Sage Plum Creek ultimately offers older adults the oppor tunity to reinvigorate their lives through connection, com munity and comfort.
Brooks also acknowledged that while older adults might feel hesitant to leave their homes of many years and join a bustling community, when the time comes to “rightsize,”
“Our community members are definitely engaging and welcoming and warm. Just be ready to really join a family with us,” Brooks said. “We’re like a little self-contained community here in Kyle. Every one of our residents knows everyone. They’re there for birthdays, retirements. You matter here. … You’re not going to come here to be forgotten. You’re going to come here to thrive, to make your life more enriched.”
For more information, visit www.sparrowliving.com/sage/ plum-creek.
We like to coin it as a cruise ship on land for our residents, because if they’re ever bored here, we’re not doing something right.” –Zachary Brooks
