According to the 2010 United States Census, more people were 65 years and over in 2010 than in any previous census. Between 2000 and 2010, the population 65 years and over increased at a faster rate (15.1 percent) than the total U.S. population (9.7 percent). In Iowa, people age 65 and older accounted for 14.9 percent of the total population in 2010.

As the population continues to age, younger family members often find themselves in the role of being a caregiver for aging parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, spouses and partners.

The University of Iowa offers a free appointment-based service to students, faculty, and staff who are dealing with elder care issues. The university works with Elder Services Incorporated, a nonprofit agency based in Iowa City that offers services for the 60 and older population.

“With elder care, the older loved one could be in Iowa City, Decorah, Minnesota, even out of the country, so it can be really complicated and stressful,” says Nicole Studt, UI Manager of Family Services. “Many of our faculty and staff are also caring for children at home so this can add to the stress.”

Through the service, any student, faculty, or staff member can schedule a complimentary one-hour on-campus appointment with an elder specialist. Studt says Judy Parks, the elder specialist who works with the university, can address just about any issue, from living arrangements and transportation to insurance and financial issues.

“Some people just want advice on how to talk to their elderly family members about these really emotional, sensitive issues where the child is now becoming the parent,” Studt says. “It can get difficult, especially when you have other family members involved and you don’t agree.”

Appointments are available two pre-scheduled dates per month during the academic year—one at University Services Building and one at UI Hospitals and Clinics. If the on-campus appointments don’t work with an individual’s schedule, off-campus and even phone appointments can be arranged.

Studt encourages people to come in without the elder person during the initial appointment.

“We want them to be able to speak freely and candidly with the specialist so they can get everything out there and she can help them sift through the concerns,” Studt says. “Having the elder person in the room, you can’t always do that.”

Veronika Kolder, a clinical assistant professor of gynecology and obstetrics, first sought assistance through the program when her father developed Alzheimer’s and again when she and her spouse were looking for resources on how to care for her 90-year-old mother-in-law.

“For me, having someone with whom to discuss the many changes in our home life related to caregiving was very helpful,” Kolder says. “We received helpful information on resources for low income seniors as well as the name of a counselor who specializes in caregiving and intergenerational living issues.”

Lori Wallrath, professor of biochemistry, met with an elder specialist when she was moving her mother who has Alzheimer’s to Iowa City from out-of-state.

“I found myself in desperate need of advice on care facilities and their reputations, as well as what to do when the person you are caring for runs out of money,” Wallrath says.

Through the appointment, she was able to decide where to place her mother and was connected to a support group at Legacy Memory Care and subsequently moved her mother to Solon Memory Care.

“Utilize the free advice offered by the university,” Wallrath says. “Talk to others who have been down similar paths.”

Studt emphasizes that the services are not limited to individuals whose aging family members are in the Iowa City area.

“We’ve had people come to appointments with parents here in town, out of state, out of the country. Caregiving from a distance is really hard, especially if you don’t know where to start,” Studt says. “Judy can meet with anyone from anywhere. In advance of the appointment she will research resources and options for wherever the elder person is located.”

Though Studt says many individuals use the service because they need help right away, she encourages people to plan ahead.

“If people are in a situation where they can talk with their loved ones while that person can still have some input into the decision-making process, that’s better,” Studt says. “What tends to happen is that they’ve waited so long that the person is either suffering from some form of dementia or Alzheimer’s, or they’re not thinking rationally all the time or they feel threatened. Start planning now and give yourself time to process it, before you get to crisis mode.”

Individuals interested in setting up an appointment should contact Studt at 319-335-1371 or familyservices@uiowa.edu.