Sponsored by East Baton Rouge Parish Library
Across East Baton Rouge Parish, more and more adults are juggling work, raising children and caring for aging parents at the same time. It’s often called the “sandwich generation,” and it can feel overwhelming.
From managing medical and legal paperwork to keeping parents active, connected and safe online, there’s a lot to figure out. The East Baton Rouge Parish Library is a powerful partner for caregivers, with tools that support both practical planning and day‑to‑day quality of life.
Legal & financial basics: Getting your paperwork in order
One of the most stressful parts of caregiving is handling legal and end‑of‑life planning. The library helps make that work less intimidating and more accessible.
Ask a Lawyer
In partnership with the Baton Rouge Bar Association, the library hosts free Ask a Lawyer sessions at different branches throughout the year. Attorneys provide brief, one‑on‑one consultations on civil issues like:
- Wills and probate
- Power of attorney and medical power of attorney
- Basic elder‑law questions and document preparation
The next session is Sept. 26 at the River Center Library. A complete list of dates and locations can be found at ebrpl.libguides.com/askalawyer.
Always‑available guides
Through Weiss Financial Ratings, caregivers can access plain‑language eBooks such as:
- Consumer Guide to Elder Care Choices
- Consumer Guide to Medicare Supplement Insurance
- Consumer Guide to Long‑Term Care Insurance
And via Legal Information Source, you’ll find practical legal eBooks like:
- 8 Ways to Avoid Probate
- Estate Planning Basics
- Long‑Term Care
These resources can help you walk into appointments with attorneys, financial planners or doctors better prepared and less overwhelmed.
Activities and lifelong learning for older adults
Caring for aging parents isn’t only about paperwork; it’s also about keeping them active, engaged and connected. The library offers both in‑person and online options to help.
In-person classes and activities are listed in the monthly newsletter, The Source, available in print and online at ebrpl.com/explore-more/library-news/newsletter/.
Gale Presents: GetSetUp
Additionally, the library offers Gale Presents: GetSetUp, an online learning and wellness platform designed specifically for adults 55+.
It includes:
- A rotating catalog of 5,000+ live and on‑demand classes, videos and articles on topics like digital literacy, fitness, nutrition, mental wellness, travel and retirement planning.
- Peer‑led instruction from older adult educators who understand the needs and learning styles of their audience.
- Built‑in community features that encourage conversation, reduce isolation and help participants make new friends.
- Flexible, self‑paced learning on smartphones, tablets or computers.
- Help from Helen, an AI assistant that suggests classes, answers basic questions and keeps users engaged.
Whether your parents want to learn a new skill, connect with others or simply stay active, GetSetUp has something for them. Tech‑focused classes like “Online Safety: Protect Your Personal Information” and “Using Your Android Smartphone” help seniors feel confident online, while offerings like “Ease the Ache with Gentle Stretches for Back Pain” and “Brain Boost: Keeping Young with Music” support physical and mental wellness.
Move More, Feel Better
For seniors who prefer to follow along with movement classes, the library also offers Hiveclass, with exercise content that can be done at home or at the library, including:
- Senior Mobility
- Pickleball
- Yoga
- Nutrition
From legal basics and financial guidance to wellness activities and social connection, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library offers free, trustworthy support for adults caring for aging parents. Visit your local branch or the library’s website to discover more tools that can help you and your family navigate whatever comes next.
