Aging Happens…
and will involve our parents, ourselves, our children and the community around us. Until recently, our culture was almost exclusively youth-focused. Elders were often hidden away, segregated into residential care or nursing facilities, rarely visible in media or families. Death was expected to come early and quickly; physical decline and dependence were the norm.
We have entered a new era of aging. Medical care can keep our bodies alive long after quality of life has faded. Elder adults are more active and independent longer. Because of this, “Aging in place” – to remain in homes they are familiar and comfortable with – is often the goal. Dependence is being replaced with interdependence as families learn how to support and rely upon members of different generations. This gives us resilience in our families and communities.
This new era of aging will shift care coordination back toward family members and community and away from paid care support. The population bubble that is the Baby Boomer generation will really strain the available workforce by 2030. Models of care reliant upon paid caregivers will be difficult to maintain. I developed The Art of Parentcare, LLC as my personal and professional experience helped me imagine a new way to navigate the aging journey with the Elders we love.
The Art of Parentcare…
was born in 2012 as I moved from community care nurse for medically complex adults to mental health care for seniors. During this time, I noted a trend in common obstacles and concerns in caring for aging adults. These trends – concern for Elder neglect and safety, not understanding normal changes in ability and addressing needs reflected my own experience and I concluded they were very common to aging families.
I was daughter to an 80-year-old mother who slowly moved from independence to reliance on family care. We worked to juggle her medical care with the needs of our growing children. This resulted in a hectic life as we didn’t understand how to share the caring or plan ahead for changes. Because of this, back up plans were often made in the stress of the moment. Though an experienced nurse, I didn’t recognize common signs of where she was on her aging journey, so I didn’t understand when she was nearing her end of life. This resulted in unnecessary and exhausting trips to the ED and delayed support from hospice care.
Comfort, Safety and Dignity…
are the basis of the Art of Parentcare against which choices can be evaluated. Understanding them can empower Elders as they anticipate changing abilities or needs. Eventually, we will all move from one level of care and assistance to another. I am passionate about teaching these core concepts to offset how easy it is to be impatient and patronize the aged. When we plan ahead, our Elders have time to make choices about their care and living arrangements. Choice is lost when we live from crisis to crisis. Learning to identify resources and make back up plans is a large part of what I teach.
Services offered…
My experience and observations led me to pursue a Masters Degree in Aging Services and Management (USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, 2015). I began blogging on social media, worked to develop this website and initiate my work on the soon to be released book “Holding Hands: The Art of Parentcare”. I have recently started offering coaching and consulting services.
My education, professional experience from midwifery to hospice nursing, and personal experience providing parentcare has helped me create a “map” for navigating the aging journey. As a result, I have courses for families, churches and community groups on Eldercare Advocacy, Journey with the Aging and Navigating the End of Life. Information is posted on this site for those courses and my books to help you and your Elders on this journey. I am available as a speaker to teach on Comfort, Safety and Dignity during the aging journey.
Thank you for visiting. I hope that you find support and maybe a pearl of wisdom for your own journey with your aging family.
Many blessings,
Katherine Silver, RN BSN MASM CCM, Eldercare Advocate
