Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Cottage Grove sentinel. (Cottage Grove, Or.) 1909-current | View Entire Issue (April 22, 2015)
COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL April 22, 2015 11A Tips for grandparents helping to raise children As retirement age approaches, many older adults envision themselves downsizing and moving to a quaint community to enjoy their golden years in as relaxing a fashion as possible. However, for a growing number of seniors, their retirement years are being spent helping to raise grandchildren. United States Census data from 2010 indicates 4.9 million American children are being raised solely by their grandparents. CanGrads, a National Kinship Support organization, says approximately 62,500 children are being raised by grandparents and other family in Canada. Many grandparents provide part-time care when their older children have to move back home with their families, as roughly 13 million children are now living in homes with their grandparents. Although being raised by grandparents may not be the ideal situation for all parties involved, such situations are a necessity for many families. Seniors who are once again thrown into the caregiver arena may need a crash course in childcare or a few pointers on parenting in the modern age. • Get the right equipment. Children certainly require a lot of gear, more than grandparents likely used when raising their own children. Certain safety requirements are in place to safeguard young children, and that often means investing in new cribs, car seats, high chairs, and other items. Grandparents should resist the temptation to use old items they may have kept in storage, as such items may no longer be safe and could put grandchildren at risk for injury. • Gather important documents. Grandparents should keep pertinent documents in one easily accessible place in their homes should an emergency arise. These include birth certifi cates, health immunization records, death certifi cates (if the child’s parents are deceased), dental records, school papers, citizenship papers, and proof of income and assets. • Speak with an attorney. Lawyers can help grandparents wade through legal arrangements, such as fi ling for custody, guardianship or adoption. Options vary depending on where petitioners live, but lawyers can provide peace of mind to grandparents concerned about their grandkids’ futures. • Investigate fi nancial assistance. Seniors may not earn the income they once did and may be on assistance programs or living off of retirement savings. Grandparents who fi nd themselves caring for a child may be eligible for fi nancial assistance. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a joint federal and state program that can provide need-based fi nancial assistance. The AARP or the organization GrandFamilies may be able to put grandparents in touch with fi nancial advisors in their areas. • Contact schools and daycare centers. School-aged children will need to be enrolled in school. Grandparents should contact the department of education where they live to learn about local school systems, especially when grandkids are moving in with their grandparents. Some grandparents can qualify for free or low-cost daycare, and such programs can be discussed with local Social Services offi ces. Enrollment in school or daycare can provide grandparents with much- needed free time during the day. • Find emotional support. Taking care of grandchildren is a full-time job. At times, grandparents may feel stressed or out of sorts. Having a strong support system available can help grandparents work through the peaks and valleys of this new and unexpected stage in life. Church or community center- based counseling services may be available. Grandparents also can check with their healthcare providers to determine if counseling or therapy sessions are covered under their plans. Caring for grandchildren is a life-changing event. Although it can be fulfi lling, it also requires a lot of energy and commitment. But grandparents needn’t go it alone, as there are numerous resources available to seniors who suddenly fi nd themselves caring for their grandchildren. How to protect your vision over the longhaul According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, eye diseases related to aging are the primary cause of vision impairment in the United States. Many people consider vision loss a natural side effect of aging, but there are ways men and women can protect their vision and reduce their risk of vision loss as they age. • Quit smoking. According to the National Eye Institute, smoking doubles a person’s risk for age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in men and women over the age of 50. It causes damage to the macula, which is the part of the eye needed for sharp, central vision. If the macula is damaged, vision may be blurry, distorted or dark. • Protect eyes from ultraviolet light. The American Optometric Association notes that UV-A and UV-B radiation can have adverse effects on a person’s vision. A short-term effect of excessive exposure to UV radiation is photokeratitis, a painful condition that can lead to red eyes, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. Long-term effects of such exposure include a higher risk of developing cataracts and damage to the retina, which is the part of the eye used for seeing. When spending time outdoors, always wear sunglasses that provide protection against UV-A and UV-B rays. • Maintain a healthy blood pressure. High blood pressure, often referred to as HBP or hypertension, can contribute to vision loss as a person ages. The American Heart Association notes that HBP can strain blood vessels in the eyes, causing them to narrow or bleed. HBP also can cause the optic nerve to swell, compromising a person’s vision as a result. Eye damage that results from HBP is cumulative, which means the longer it goes untreated, the more likely the damage to the eye will be permanent. Men and women can maintain a healthy blood pressure by eating right, exercising regularly and sustaining a healthy weight. • Take breaks from work. Computer vision syndrome, or CVS, is a legitimate condition that can develop when a person spends ample time staring at a computer screen. Adults and kids alike are susceptible to CVS, which can cause symptoms such as blurred vision, double vision, eye irritation, and headaches. One way to reduce risk of developing CVS is to take frequent breaks from staring at the screen. A handful of 20-second breaks over the course of an hour can help prevent CVS. In addition, change lighting in the room where you work so you can reduce glare on the computer screen. Cottage Grove Community Hospital Auxiliary is hosting an ITALIAN MEAL EXTRAVAGANZA Friday, April 24th 6-8pm (doors open at 5pm) at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church 1025 N 19th Street - Cottage Grove Ticket Price: $20 Tickets Available at: CG Community Hospital-Front Desk & The Bookmine Come enjoy a great dinner and a silent auction! Actual Spectrum Residents Life with ... laughter Live in comfort. Make new friends. Enjoy each day. It’s time to thrive! • Anytime dining – our dining room is open from 7am-7pm, and three meals a day are included in the monthly rent • Washer & dryer in all apartments • Wellness Center with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment • Studio, one, and two bedroom apartments • Large, walk-in closets ® 541.378.4332 2951 Coburg Road • Eugene, OR 97408 CrescentParkSeniorLiving.com Half mile north of the Beltline on Coburg Road Community fee WAIVED Move-in by 4/30/15 A SPECTRUM RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
