Oaklawn Center on Aging to rename, dedicate care house

LITTLE ROCK — The Oaklawn Center on Aging, part of the Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, will dedicate and rename its care house on June 13 as the Darrell Meyer Care House.

The dedication, which will take place from 2-4 p.m. at 101 McGowan Court in Hot Springs, is open to the public.

“We are excited for the opportunity to rename our care house in honor of Darrell Meyer, former chairman of the Oaklawn Foundation,” Kathy Packard, the center’s director of education, said in a news release. “Our older community members are able to lead safer, healthier lives as a result of his commitment to education. It is an honor to play a small role in upholding his legacy.”

The center will also unveil its new website, http://www.oaklawncenteronaging.com., which will provide information about free community

events, educational programs and tutorial videos developed by the Oaklawn Center on Aging.

Through the training provided at the center, a student can become a certified nursing assistant to care for older adults.

“We’re on the verge of seeing a significant increase in our aging population,” Packard said. “The training programs available at the Darrell Meyer Care House will not only help to provide a better environment for older adults but offer invaluable employment opportunities to those entering the workforce.”

An estimated 120 students earn CNA certifications through the program each year. Classes are taught by UAMS faculty, meet state and federal guidelines, and are available in a variety of different tracks, including certified nursing assistant, inhome assistant and Alzheimer’s and dementia training.

“The importance of geriatric care has increased as the over65 population continues to grow, and not all of these individuals are able to leave their homes to attend our information sessions,” Packard said. “Our new online presence will allow homebound caregivers and adults the opportunity to participate in low-impact exercise, gather critical information about safety and nutrition, in addition to general wellness and lifestyle planning. We’re thrilled to make this resource available to the public.”

The Oaklawn Center on Aging is dedicated to improving the lives of older adults in the area and works with other agencies committed to providing quality care and assistance for older adults and their families. It is a partnership of UAMS and the Oaklawn Foundation.

Meyer was active in the Hot Springs community before his death on Feb. 18, 2017, having been a member of various local boards including Hot Springs National Park Rotary Club, Garland County Economic Development Council, Boy Scouts of America and Hot Springs Development Foundation. He also served as chairman of the Garland County Waterworks & Sewer Facilities board, was a member of Fifty for the Future, and a supporter of local events including the Hot Springs Music Festival, Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, Hot Springs Jazz Society’s jazz festival and the Miss Arkansas Pageant.

Meyer began his career as a bank teller in 1959. In 1993, he became the CEO of Arkansas Bank & Trust, overseeing its transition to Regions Bank. He went on to lead Regions Bank in Hot Springs as chairman, president and CEO. He also provided leadership to Regions’ south Arkansas banking group.

He served as chair of the Oaklawn Foundation from its inception in 2006 to 2016, when he was then named chair emeritus.