George Bridges

Family caregivers, shouldering the stress and fatigue of doing what it takes to help aging loved ones continue to live at home, will gain new support under the Montana Caregiver Act.

Local rock musicians, Broadway singers and an American Idol finalist will join the Helena Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, July 15, to “play that funky music” of the ’70s and ’80s. The 14th annual Symphony Under the Stars begins at 8:30 p.m. at Carroll College in Helena and will end with a fireworks display. The Rock On concert will feature rock, pop and disco hits popularized by Michael Jackson, Madonna, Led Zeppelin, Queen and the Eagles.

The annual Women 4 Wellness health fair, credited with saving lives, will offer more than 30 screenings this year, helping Flathead Indian tribal members and other women in Lake County detect conditions ranging from breast cancer and diabetes to heart disease and thyroid problems. AARP Montana is cosponsoring the event on Thursday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Salish Kootenai College in Pablo.

Caregiving can be exhausting. The 2017 Lifespan Respite Annual Summit, to be held May 10 at the Wingate Hotel in Helena, aims to help family caregivers refuel and recharge.

Many Montanans find themselves financially vulnerable when they retire, with little money saved for their post-

Every family caregiver has a story to tell, and AARP Montana wants to hear them. These personal stories can strengthen testimony as AARP pursues legislative support for caregivers.

In a state whose legislature convenes for only 90 days every other year, AARP Montana plans to hit the ground running when the next session begins Jan. 2. The AARP state office will be pressing for legislation that affects more than 400,000 Montanans age 50-plus—including bills to support family caregivers, strengthen consumer protections and safeguard services that help Montanans continue to live at home as they age.

Symphony Under the Stars—a concert with fireworks and a favorite local tradition—this year is celebrating the music of Broadway.

Montana voters 45 and older overwhelmingly believe family caregivers should have the support services they need to take a break or keep a job. In a recent AARP survey, nearly 8 in 10 respondents said that is extremely or very important. Ninety percent of those who are caregivers said their role is critical to their loved one’s independence, and more than half said they have experienced stress.