|
Inspiring Opportunities Free E-Newsletter |
| | |
|
Featured Story |
|
Longtime friends Jane Brooks and Joyce Burd decided to combine their skills, Jane as a writer and Joyce as an arts administrator, to bring ballroom dancing to 5th grade classrooms in Philadelphia.
| |
|
Family A dynamic and evolving part of our lives that provides an anchor and challenges us to meet new needs is our family. From caring for aging parents to finding housing -- coping with adult children, to reveling in the role of grandparent, it’s good to know that there are many resources to help.
NPR's Caregiving Series Touches Many
NPR's Family Matters: The Money Squeeze series, that airs each Tuesday on Morning Edition, is about caregiving and multigenerational families. The latest story, the third in the series of eight, profiles the story of Yolanda Hunter's family in print and audio. For the Hunters, what started out as an act of love, has become a difficult and costly decision that has no easy solution...and brings up many questions of how caregiving impacts our society. Nearly 10 million people over the age of 50 are caring for their aging parents and the number of caregivers has more than tripled over the past 15 years. Stayed tuned for the rest of these profiles...
NPR's Caregiving Series Touches Many
NPR's Family Matters: The Money Squeeze series, that airs each Tuesday on Morning Edition, is about caregiving and multigenerational families. The latest story, the third in the series of eight, profiles the story of Yolanda Hunter's family. For the Hunters, what started out as an act of love, has become a difficult and costly decision that has no easy solution...and brings up many questions of how caregiving impacts our society. Nearly 10 million people over the age of 50 are caring for their aging parents and the number of caregivers has more than tripled over the past 15 years. Stayed tuned for the rest of these profiles...
Caregiving: The "New Normal" for Boomers
Trying to create the best possible quality of life for an aging relative is "the new normal" for 43.5 million Americans caring for someone older than 50, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance. This comprehensive article addresses the issues that families face when a loved one begins to fail, the difficulties in finding the right kinds of care, and the questions that need to be asked by children to assess their parent's situation. Knowing about available resources and services for older adults is critical in dealing with the "new normal." To read more, click here.
How Giving Grandparents Can Give Wisely
Boomers are used to taking charge...and for some, being a new grandparent can give them the "joy" of spoiling the child and a chance to exert some influence. Boomers carry some heft financially, having the highest median household income of any age group, according to the U.S. Census. Many are eager to make sure that their grandchildren are well taken care of, even if their approach doesn't fit the parents' wishes. This article provides some very good information for boomer grandparents on how to be thoughtful in sharing their wealth and maintaining family peace.
Elder Courts: A Growing Trend
About one in seven older Americans living outside institutions have experienced physical, psychological or financial abuse, according to a 2011 government study. This chilling statistic, which is probably lower than the actual number, has led to the creation of the first "elder court", located in Contra Costa County, California. Among the services offered is a volunteer senior peer counselor who supports older adults through the process. The idea is spreading to other areas of the country as the number of restraining orders against children and other family members increases.
Elder Courts: A Growing Trend
About one in seven older Americans living outside institutions have experienced physical, psychological or financial abuse, according to a 2011 government study. This chilling statistic, which is probably lower than the actual number, has led to the creation of the first "elder court", located in Contra Costa County, California. Among the services offered is a volunteer senior peer counselor who supports older adults through the process. The idea is spreading to other areas of the country as the number of restraining orders against children and other family members increases.
Caregiving from Afar
As lifespans lengthen and the number of older adults increases, there are many adult "children" who find themselves providing care for their parents from afar. The National Institute on Aging estimates that about 7 million Americans are long-distance caregivers. Some insist on daily phone calls or video chats to hear or see how their loved one is doing. Oftentimes, they find another relative or a paid caregiver they can trust who is closer and able to help with some tasks. This is an ongoing dilemma that plagues those who want to do their best for their parents while respecting the parents' desire to remain in their homes.
Classes for Grandparents
So, you are a new grandparent and can't wait to get your hands on that darling bundle lying in the crib. But, you notice that there aren't any bumpers in the crib, the baby is wrapped like a mummy and is on her back. What's going on? Well, some baby care issues have changed and this interview on NPR will help fill you in on the latest thinking and the best approach to being the kind of grandparent who gets invited to check the new diapers that have a "pee" line. And there are classes for grandparents that your children might insist that you attend!
DPT Shots: Not Just for Kids
It seems that doting grandparents and those who are health care providers are being urged to get the T.D.A.P. vaccine, short for tetanus, diptheria and acellular pertussis, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is usually family members that pass these diseases on to very young children (under a year old), particularly pertussis (aka whooping cough) that effects people of any age. The cost of the vaccine is around $35 plus the cost of the injection and the only side effect is a sore arm.
|
