VIDALIA &8212; Providing care to the elderly is a daunting task.

Helping your loved one work through the maze that is the health care system, understand the various infirmities that come with age and figure out exactly what help is out there can leave caregiver&8217;s stressed, depressed and confused.

If this sounds like you, LSU AgCenter Extension Agent Terri Crawford has a May 23 invitation for you.

&8220;Anyone who cares for an elderly family member, friend or neighbor,&8221; she said. &8220;This is our primary target, but it&8217;s open to anyone.&8221;

Helping Hearts, Helping Hands is sponsored by the Concordia Council on Aging and Better Health for the Delta in addition to the AgCenter. It is designed to connect caregivers with the various groups and agencies that can help.

Guylyn Boles, the council&8217;s vice president, said the program is also a chance for people in similar situations to network.

&8220;We have a number of caregivers who need help and we hope the result is that people can set up their own support groups,&8221; she said.

The program runs from 2-5 p.m. at the Concordia Parish Community Room on Louisiana 15 in Ferriday. Admission is free and open to the public on both sides of the river.

Special guests will give talks about managing stress as a caregiver, navigating the health care system, and the challenges of Alzheimer&8217;s disease as well as other issues affecting caregivers.

In addition, representatives from a plethora of local and state agencies will be there to help people provide better care for their loved ones.

Many are groups you&8217;d expect, such as rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and other health care facilities, but some of the participants might surprise you.

Well, it might not surprise many to learn that the Concordia Parish Library System has plenty to offer caregivers.

&8220;We have large-print books and can get people access to the service that provides books on tape,&8221; director Amanda Taylor said. &8220;We&8217;ve got all kinds of books on health, food, exercise and a whole section for caregivers.&8221;

&8220;It can be a comfort to people to know they&8217;re not the only one out there.&8221;

While the library is there to help the elderly keep their minds sharp, the Concordia Parish Sheriff&8217;s Office does a lot to help keep them safe.

In addition to helping with the Feed the Hungry program, the department has a certified Elderly Services officer, Deputy George Loomis.

Loomis spearheads the parish&8217;s Neighborhood Watch program and helps senior citizens stay alert for scams and abuse.

Sheriff Randy Maxwell said his department is happy to help.

&8220;We know these folks have worked hard all their lives,&8221; he said in a statement. &8220;It&8217;s definitely our duty &8212; and our privilege &8212; to give back to them. They more than deserve it.&8221;

There will be door prizes, light refreshments and a book, magazine and puzzle exchange.