Family Caregiving as Opportunity for Growth

By Avery McKenzie, MA, SPT, LPCC

The increase in the overall age of our population has far reaching impact on family dynamics, and on what the aging process entails. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that by 2050, the nation’s elderly population will more than double to 88 million, and the more frail, over-85 population will quadruple to 19 million. This dramatic growth will require an increase in care facilities, outpatient care support structures, and informal familial care. And according to Richard Suzman and John Beard (“Changing Role of the Family,” Global Health & Aging, National Institute on Aging, October 2011), for the first time in history there are more adult children in their 50s and 60s with surviving parents and more younger generations having contact with their grandparents and great-grandparents. [Read more…]

On October 1st our team hosted The Dementia Experience at the Boulder Public library.  The event promotes greater compassion for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia through experiential learning. Participants completed a series of tasks while wearing simple alterations to their senses, like vision-limiting goggles.  Participants were invited to talk through and process their experience with Windhorse Staff and other participants afterwards.  For many, the experience mimicked the frustrations caused by dementia allowing them to feel what their loved one might be experiencing as a result of the disease.  The event brought in around 20 folks from the surrounding community including several family members and caregivers.  We were also able to provide education and information about the effects of living with dementia to library patrons who stopped by for a chat.

We offer this event free to the public several times a year as well as offering it as a training to facilities working with folks suffering from Dementia.  If you are interested in joining us at one of our public events please check back on our site for upcoming dates and details.  For a private event please contact us at:  info@nullwindhorsecare.com.

Meet Windorse Elder Care’s 2016 team for the Boulder Walk to End Alzheimer’s.  The team joined 985 other walkers on a two-mile course through the CU campus in an effort to raise funds for Alzheimer’s support, care, and research.  The event raised a total of $180,204!!  A big thank you to the entire community of folks who support the event and a special shout out to our own walkers.  You can find out more about the event at:  The Walk to End Alzheimer’s site. 

Several of our caregivers had the chance to meet their hero, Teepa Snow at an Understanding Dementia Care training event in early July.  Our caregivers participate in ongoing events and trainings in an effort to bring the best and most current care trends to the clients and familes we serve.  Teepa Snow is a dementia care and education specialist with over 30 years of experience in geriatrics. Teepa works closely with senior living facilities and dementia specialty service providers throughout the country to improve and optimize programs and services to people with dementia and their families.  You can find more information on her website at:  www.teepasnow.com

Self-care is one of the main ways our caregivers stay on top of their game.  Several times a year the company offers opportunities for folks to gather and practice together.  In May, our team had the opportunity to work with local equine therapist, Jackie Ashley, and her horses in the field.  The day was spent engaging in mindfulness activities with the horses aimed at practicing non-verbal communication and bringing the team into their bodies in the present moment, all wonderful techniques they’re able to use for themselves and with their clients.