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WALKER - With a growing elderly population, and an independent one at that, it's important to recognize the signs of aging and changing care needs in aging parents, neighbors and friends. There are many easily identifiable signs that a senior may be in need of some extra care or attention. Often it is up to adult children to notice these signs of change, open lines of communication, and facilitate actions to ensure safety and quality of life.

Ann Noland, CEO of May Creek Senior Living Campus and Deb Cranny, owner of Home Instead Senior Care are partnering to provide a four-week series of classes geared to help community members better understand the aging process, identify and communicate changing needs and access community services to meet these needs. As regional leaders in providing senior care, Noland and Cranny bring extensive experience to share with others in the Walker community. Participants can expect to gain a richer insight into ways they can honor an aging parent's wants and needs in a dignified and caring manner.[[In-content Ad]]

Be Informed. Be Aware. Be Prepared. Caring for Your Parents, a four-week series of classes, will meet in the Lodge at the May Creek Senior Living Campus on Wednesdays, May 4-25. Participants may attend all four weeks, or just the specific sessions that pertain to their interests. Each one-hour presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a 30-minute time for informal questions and answers. Advance registration is not required for these free classes, but the courtesy of an RSVP will help in planning for space needs each evening.



Class dates and topics include:

•May 4: Recognizing Signs of Aging. Physical symptoms of aging

will be identified, along with an understanding of the emotional changes. Environmental clues to help identify changing needs will be discussed, along with knowing when to start taking action to seek help. Tips for both local and long-distance care giving will be included in week one.

•May 11: Communication Issues. With aging, communication may become more challenging. Knowing how to open lines of communication, how to discuss difficult topics, approach methods for success and how to overcome barriers to communication will be included. Tips for communicating with healthcare providers will also be presented in week two.

•May 18: Dealing with Cognitive Issues. What is cognitive

decline? How do you know what are normal signs of aging and what are signs of dementia? How can I best communicate with a cognitively impaired parent or loved one? These are just some of the questions that will be addressed in

week three.

•May 25: Helping Parents with Finances. Coping tools to help

parents stay organized will be discussed. Tips to help identify and avoid becoming the target of fraud or financial exploitation will be provided. Tips to help pull together professional service teams and seek options for financing care will be discussed. An overview of the continuum of care available will be part of the week four class.

For more information on these classes, or to register, call

218-547-4515 or email [email protected].

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