Welcome! I’m so glad you are here. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the COPE lab.
My very first job was answering the 24/7 Helpline at the Alzheimer’s Association. I had the honor of hearing the stories of family caregivers, along with the challenges they were having while caring for someone with dementia. I also learned of the barriers they faced in getting their loved ones diagnosed. Their stories inspired me to make a difference through volunteering, counseling, educating, and facilitating research.
15 years later, I’m proud to serve as the volunteer Chair of the Board of Directors for the Alzheimer’s Association Capital of Texas Chapter, building community partnerships with people like you. In my role at The University of Texas at Austin, I’m committed to providing counseling services and engaging in research to make a difference for people living with dementia and their family caregivers.
The mission of the COPE-lab (Caregiver Outcomes, Projects and Education) is to recognize and support the role of dementia family caregivers as vital members of the health care team. With the expanding responsibilities of caregivers, there remains a significant lack of measurement tools for clinicians to evaluate caregiver well-being. There is a growing need for health care systems to learn new ways to identify family caregivers in the medical record and provide billable mental health services to caregivers of individuals with cognitive impairment.
Your story matters, and you can make a difference. There are several ways to get involved:
Education: If you are interested in education classes about dementia and/or Alzheimer’s research where you work, live, pray or play
Support: If you or someone you love is in need of counseling services related to dementia or family caregiving
Engagement: If you want to become involved in research opportunities, donating or sponsorship, or volunteering with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Please reach out to me at Alyssa.aguirre@austin.utexas.edu
Sincerely,
Alyssa Aguirre, LCSW-S
Assistant Director of Dementia Care Transformation- Department of Neurology
Assistant Professor of Practice – Steve Hicks School of Social Work
