• Woman Hugging Her Mother

    Caring for Aging Parents

    It is typical for aging parents to maybe ask for an occasional favor, but most won’t ask their adult children for help with the house or with their daily activities, even though they may actually need it. Instead, they’re likely to adjust or adapt their needs or their activities. They might just do their tasks more slowly, they may use an adaptive device such as a reacher, or they might agree to wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace. The problem is, they may not be admitting to their “kids” that they are having trouble with some things, such as remembering when to take medication, or tripping and dropping things, or they are not eating regularly. They may see these things as none of the kids’ business or they themselves may be in denial about what’s happening. It can be that the adult children are in denial too. It can be hard to acknowledge that a parent is declining and […]

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  • Becoming A Caregiver

    If you are considering becoming your parent’s caregiver there are some questions you need to ask yourself. As you prepare to take on the task of being a caregiver, you will have to take an honest look at yourself and your life.  Your availability, your stamina, your personality, and your caregiving capabilities are all things that will have an effect on your decision.  Being a caregiver can entail not only performing basic care, care of the home, medical care tasks, but also may involve coordinating other care providers and appointments, and advocating for your loved one. Being a caregiver to an aging parent is likely to affect your physical, mental, and emotional health. It will also change your relationship with your parent and impact your other relationships too. Being as prepared as you can be will help to minimize the surprises. Here are some things you need to consider before taking on this challenging role: Am I capable […]

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  • Tips For The Sandwich Generation

    The term “Sandwich Generation” refers to those caregivers who are both caring for their aging parent(s) and for their children who are still at home. Members of the Sandwich Generation are mostly age 40 to 59. Men and women are equally likely to be included in the Sandwich Generation. These are caregivers who are pulled in many different directions, and may be for many years. They may provide physical care, financial support and emotional support for both their elders and the younger generation. About half of all adults currently in their 40s and 50s have at least one parent older than 65 and are also raising a child or are financially supporting a grown child. About 15% in this age group are providing some kind of financial support to both an aging parent and a child. Life in the Sandwich Generation can be a bit stressful, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that these caregivers are less happy than people of […]

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  • Visiting Assisted Living Homes, Part 2

    An important thing to keep in mind if you’re visiting assisted living facilities for a family member is that your likes and dislikes may be very different from those of your loved one. A good strategy is for you to tour all your best prospective homes, and then have your loved one tour one or two that you have chosen as the best ones. When you tour the apartments themselves, some things to look for: What kind of closet and storage space is available? In the bathroom, is there a walk-in shower or tub? Are there emergency cords and systems in place? Is the kitchenette suitable for preparing meals if the need occurs? Can the stove or burners be disabled if necessary? How and where are medications administered? If a pet is part of the family, are there doors to the outside available? Is pet care part of the assisted living services? Another thing to keep in mind is that […]

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  • Assisted Living Or Not

    When is the right time to start making decisions on behalf of your loved one? When is it time to move to assisted living? Many of us who have loved ones who require care ask these perplexing questions. Studies show that many caregivers go beyond their capacity trying to fill the needs of their loved one, leaving the caregiver at risk; the emotional and physical toll can take years off the life of the caregiver. So, reaching out to the numerous available resources is important for both the caregiver and their loved one. Clark County is fortunate to have resources in the community to assist the caregiver or someone who has a loved one who can no longer function independently. Those resources include various senior agencies, programs, workshops and conferences. We are more than happy to help you find those senior resources. Asking questions and reaching out for assistance is healthy and wise. With our population aging, you are not […]

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  • Assisted Living May Become An Option For Caregivers Health

    It may be time to consider alternative housing like adult family homes or another type of assisted living in Vancouver WA when your loved one can no longer manage independently in their own home. And, even when there is a caregiver in the home, there may come a time when adult family homes or some other assisted living setting in the Vancouver area is the best choice. Knowing when to start thinking about assisted living like adult family homes in Vancouver WA is our specialty here at A Caring Heart. We have years of experience and expertise in the continuum of care available for adults in the Clark County Washington area and we are proud of the number of satisfied clients we have helped find the right housing option. We know you want the best for your loved one, but we encourage you to also take care of yourself. Caregiving can become stressful, which then can cause interpersonal conflict, affect […]

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