Are you part of the “sandwich generation,” balancing the demands of caring for both your children and aging parents? If you’re in your 50s and feeling the pressure of managing multiple responsibilities, you’re not alone. Many adults are finding themselves caring for aging parents while still raising their own families. This can be an overwhelming time, but at The Ashford, we’re here to help ease that burden.

The Challenges of the Sandwich Generation

As life expectancy increases, more people are facing the challenge of providing care for elderly parents while still being actively involved in their children’s lives. The emotional, financial, and physical demands of being a caregiver for both generations can leave you feeling stretched thin. Whether your parents need help with daily tasks, medical care, or just a safe and supportive community, the stress of ensuring they’re well taken care of can affect your overall well-being.

How The Ashford Can Help

At The Ashford, we understand the unique challenges of this phase in life, and we’re here to support both you and your loved ones. Our senior living community offers a range of care options that give you peace of mind while ensuring your parents receive the attention and support they deserve.

1. Customized Care Options
   Whether your parent is looking for more independence in independent living, needs some help with daily activities in assisted living, or requires specialized care for memory issues*, our tailored services allow them to thrive.
2. Compassionate and Experienced Staff
   Our dedicated team is passionate about providing high-quality care with a personal touch. You can rest easy knowing your parents are in good hands with caregivers who genuinely care about their well-being.
3. A Vibrant Community
   Seniors at Wallick aren’t just cared for—they’re engaged in a vibrant community full of social activities, wellness programs, and events that enrich their lives and keep them connected with others.
4. Award-Winning Facilities
   Our senior living communities have been recognized for excellence in care and service. With state-of-the-art amenities and a welcoming atmosphere, your parents will feel right at home in a safe, secure, and comfortable environment.

Why Choose The Ashford?

Choosing a senior living community is a big decision. By partnering with The Ashford, you’re choosing a team that prioritizes your loved ones’ comfort, dignity, and happiness. We offer:

• Personalized care plans to meet the specific needs of your parents.
• Continuum of care that adapts as your parents’ needs change over time.
• Peace of mind for you, knowing that they are safe, well cared for, and thriving.

Relieve the Stress and Find Support

Caring for elderly parents can be demanding, but you don’t have to do it alone. Let us be your partner in providing compassionate, professional care for your loved ones so you can focus on your own family and well-being.

To learn more about how we can help or to schedule a tour of one of our communities, contact us today. Let us show you how we can make this stage of life easier for both you and your parents.

*not available at all communities

Stressors in the Later Parts of Life

Entering the elderly stages of life comes with new varieties of change. Some may deal with the loss of loved ones, health conditions, loneliness and other changes. Change could also bring on feelings of stress because of its disruptions to routines and needs. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) discusses the dynamic between aging and the stress that this period of life can bring.

During this period of life, it becomes important to manage stressors in a healthy way. For everyone, this can look different. One factor that adds complexity to life stress and our ability to manage it, especially as we age, is seasonal weather changes.

Embracing Routines in Senior Living

The summer heat can make it harder to indulge in our favorite routines, from daily walks to spending time with loved ones. Our senior living communities are here to help you adjust to these changes and continue to enjoy every day. We understand the importance of maintaining routines and their direct impact on overall wellness.

If there are added limitations to residents’ activities due to weather, we are prepared to provide comfortable and enjoyable alternatives. Our activities directors are aware of how changes in the seasons may affect stress. We always plan a diverse calendar of indoor activities for residents, providing the same level of stress reduction and mental stimulation as their usual routines that might be affected by high temperatures.

Having different coping strategies is one way that you can stay on top of managing stress during this period in your life. Here are some ideas for finding new stress-reducing habits outside of community activities.

• Visit with peers to share advice and new interests.
• Take proper precautions when going outside, like staying hydrated, monitoring medication effects and spending time in the shade outside.
• Try new television programs, books, and games to occupy your time.

When possible, our communities are prepared to help you stick to your routine. In a recent interview with Channel 2 (WDTN), Sara Ward, The Ashford of Beavercreek Executive Director, spotlighted the Wallick Senior Living team’s dedication to helping residents beat the summer heat while allowing them to enjoy their favorite activities.

“In a heat wave like this, we’re going to make sure that if a resident wants to sit outside or wants to go on a walk, that we’re checking on them more frequently. We are making sure that they have water for their walk,” she said.

Keeping an Open Mind

Moments of change can be difficult to manage when your self-care is at stake, but it is important to know that stress during this period in your life is still normal. It will be helpful to continue being gracious with yourself and to try new things.

One of the beautiful things about being a part of a senior living community is that some of the burden of managing change is taken off residents. Our associates are here to uplift our community members and encourage them to reduce stress in the areas where we can.

Learn more about the activities we have planned by viewing our community updates located here.

The holiday season is a time for joy, reflection, and spending precious moments with loved ones. However, it can also be a period when we notice changes in the health and well-being of our family members, especially as they age. If you’ve spent the holidays with a loved one and observed signs that they may need extra assistance or can no longer live independently at home, initiating a conversation about moving into a senior living community is a delicate but crucial step.

Here are some thoughtful tips on how to approach this conversation with empathy, respect, and understanding:

1. Choose the Right Time and Place: Begin the conversation in a quiet and comfortable environment where you can talk privately without distractions. Ensure there is enough time for an open and honest discussion, avoiding busy or stressful periods.

2. Express Your Concerns with Love: Start the conversation by expressing your love and concern for their well-being. Use “I” statements to share your observations and feelings, emphasizing that your intention is to ensure their safety and happiness.

Example: “I’ve noticed that things seem a bit challenging for you at home, and I’m genuinely concerned about your well-being. I want to make sure you have the support you need to be comfortable and happy.”

3. Focus on Specific Observations: Share specific instances or observations from the holiday season that raised your concern. Be gentle and avoid sounding accusatory. This helps your loved one understand that your suggestion is based on genuine observations rather than assumptions.

Example: “During the holidays, I noticed you struggled with [specific tasks]. It made me realize that you might benefit from additional support and assistance.”

4. Acknowledge Their Feelings: Recognize that this is a sensitive topic, and your loved one may have mixed emotions about the idea of moving into a senior living community. Allow them to express their feelings and validate their concerns without dismissing them.

Example: “I understand that this might be a difficult topic, and I want to hear how you feel about it. Your emotions are important, and I’m here to support you.”

5. Present Senior Living Options Positively: Research senior living communities in advance and highlight the positive aspects of genuine wellbeing. Emphasize the social opportunities, professional care that you might not be able to give or can’t do any more, potential improvements in your relationship with them after going from a care giver to loved one again, and safety measures these communities offer. Discuss how such a move can enhance their quality of life.

Example: “I’ve looked into some senior living communities, and they have fantastic amenities and activities that I think you would enjoy. It could be an opportunity to make new friends and receive the care you need.”

6. Involve Them in the Decision-Making Process: Make your loved one an active participant in the decision-making process. Discuss the available options together, consider their preferences, and address any concerns they may have.

Example: “I want us to explore these options together. Your input is crucial, and we can work together to find the best solution that ensures your comfort and happiness.”

Initiating a conversation about moving into a senior living community can be challenging, but it’s an essential step toward ensuring the well-being of your loved one. Approach the discussion with empathy, patience, and a commitment to finding the best solution for their unique needs. By involving them in the decision-making process and focusing on the positive aspects of senior living, you can help ease the transition and create a plan that prioritizes their safety and happiness.