Family Matters

5 Tips for Successful Long-Distance Caregiving

2024-03-14T07:00:57-04:00

“Hi, this is Sunlight Senior Care.” “Hi, I’m going to be in town next Tuesday. I’m wondering if you can have someone come out to Mom’s house and talk with us about providing care in her home.” Phone calls like that are a regular occurrence here at Sunlight Senior Care. Caring for an elderly parent presents unique challenges for their adult children who live far away. Does this sound like you? If so, know your role as a long-distance caregiver is vital in your parent’s care. From regular communication to identifying local resources, building a support network, and coordinating care, you [...]

5 Tips for Successful Long-Distance Caregiving2024-03-14T07:00:57-04:00

Grandparenting – Who Benefits More, Grandkids or Grandparents?

2024-01-30T09:11:40-05:00

Let’s recognize that one of the biggest achievements for grandparents can be contributing to their grandkids’ success! But did you know that while you were investing time in your grandkids, you were padding your account too? Read on to discover the important benefits of grandparenting and intergenerational bonding! Grandparenting - Benefits for Grandchildren Improved Academic Performance Children who enjoy close relationships with their grandparents are more likely to have higher academic success than those who do not, research suggests. Reading to the grandkids, playing educational games, sharing knowledge and experiences, and taking a genuine interest in your grandkids’ schooling helps set [...]

Grandparenting – Who Benefits More, Grandkids or Grandparents?2024-01-30T09:11:40-05:00

Thinking About Moving Mom or Dad in With Your Family?

2024-01-11T07:00:44-05:00

You, your parent(s), and your kids all living under one roof? It’s more common than most people realize. In 2021 the U.S. Census Bureau reported 60 million people in the U.S. reside in these multigenerational households. A  PEW Research study found adult caregiving, along with financial benefits and companionship, to be main reasons for the surging popularity of multigenerational households. Whether out of choice or necessity, there are several considerations to work through in order to make this living arrangement work for everyone. Financial Considerations: Mortgage payments, home repairs, taxes, utilities, insurance, and maintenance…will these expenses be shared? How? What about [...]

Thinking About Moving Mom or Dad in With Your Family?2024-01-11T07:00:44-05:00

Senior Fall Prevention: Causes, Risks, and What You Can Do

2023-12-14T07:00:49-05:00

Arloe, a widow living alone, slipped in the bathtub, wedging herself in an awkward and painful position. Fortunately, she was wearing her emergency pendant, and the rescue squad was able to get her out of the tub. Tom, suffering from foot numbness and poor eyesight due to his diabetes, tripped over a shoe, broke his ankle, and never walked again. In both instances, following proven fall prevention steps could have avoided those catastrophes. Fall risks are very real, with more than one out of four Americans age 65+ falling each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [...]

Senior Fall Prevention: Causes, Risks, and What You Can Do2023-12-14T07:00:49-05:00

Embracing Comfort and Connection: Help With Sundowning

2023-11-30T07:00:46-05:00

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia comes with its unique challenges, and sundowning, a phenomenon experienced in the late afternoon and early evening, can add an extra layer of complexity. Understanding and responding with compassion can make a significant difference in your loved one's well-being. Here are some positive and uplifting tips for family members and caregivers to help with sundowning. Be Present with Love and Understanding. When sundowning sets in, sudden behavioral changes can be overwhelming. Instead of feeling helpless, remember that your presence alone can be a source of comfort. Offer a listening ear and a [...]

Embracing Comfort and Connection: Help With Sundowning2023-11-30T07:00:46-05:00

What You Can Do: Sibling Disagreement Over Mom’s Care

2023-11-02T08:00:18-04:00

Mom had another fall at her birthday party.  Fortunately, you were there. But next time she might not be so lucky.  The good news is this time Mom didn’t dismiss the idea of possibly making a change. The bad news is that you and your siblings are in disagreement over mom’s care. First and foremost, try to understand and abide by Mom’s concerns and wishes. Caring for an aged parent can be a challenging and emotional journey, and her support of various care options makes a huge difference. This is a time when families should ideally come together to support their [...]

What You Can Do: Sibling Disagreement Over Mom’s Care2023-11-02T08:00:18-04:00

Silent Sacrifices: Unveiling the Hidden Realities of Being a Family Caregiver

2023-10-07T07:30:03-04:00

Being a family Caregiver is often a heartfelt choice we make when our parents’ health starts to decline. It’s a way to give back for all the love and care they’ve provided throughout our lives. However, it can also bring about some unspoken challenges. Here, we shine a light on these challenges, because acknowledging them is the first step towards addressing and overcoming them. At Times You Feel Overwhelmed  As a family Caregiver, you don’t hear it often enough, but let us say it loud and clear: Thank you for all you are doing! Still, being a family Caregiver can be [...]

Silent Sacrifices: Unveiling the Hidden Realities of Being a Family Caregiver2023-10-07T07:30:03-04:00

Need Help Caring For A Loved One At Home?

2023-05-31T12:00:12-04:00

Whether you’re caring for an elderly parent, a spouse with a chronic illness, or someone with special needs, the responsibility can quickly take a toll on your well-being. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure about where to turn for help. But you don’t have to travel this journey alone. Don’t hesitate to reach out to family and friends for support. Caregiving can be a full-time job. It’s okay to ask for help with tasks like meal preparation, errands, or simply spending time with your loved one. Having a support system can make all the difference. Consider seeking guidance from a [...]

Need Help Caring For A Loved One At Home?2023-05-31T12:00:12-04:00

How to Become a Foster Grandparent

2015-12-30T21:32:09-05:00

We recently had the privilege of speaking about the Foster Grandparent program with Elisa Stutheit with Aging Partners in Lincoln, Nebraska. She offered some in-depth insight about this program designed to provide individuals age 55+ with an opportunity to give back to the community and serve youth in local schools and educational programs. What is the Foster Grandparent Program? The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) is a federal volunteer service program created in 1965. Aging Partners has sponsored FGP in Lincoln and Lancaster County since 1997. Foster Grandparent volunteers are role models, mentors, and friends to children with exceptional needs. The program provides [...]

How to Become a Foster Grandparent2015-12-30T21:32:09-05:00

30 Warning Signs that Your Aging Parent May Need Help

2015-05-27T09:30:39-04:00

Life gets busy, and we often find ourselves wanting to get over to check on Mom and Dad as they age, but time goes by and it doesn’t happen. Then, one day you stop in to say "hi" and notice several things that may cause you to stop and think. Maybe the house is messier than you remember. Perhaps the door wasn’t shut when you entered the house, or the stove was on. Those are but a few of the warning signs your aging parent needs help. We’ve come alongside many families who’ve discovered the need for a caregiver to help [...]

30 Warning Signs that Your Aging Parent May Need Help2015-05-27T09:30:39-04:00
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