Let's say "hi" to our newest members -- @Michael Kemry @Shawn Fletcher @Jay Kloss and @Inger Glasper If you’re caring for an aging parent or loved one—and feeling unsure what to do or where to turn—you’re in the right place. The Family Care Compass exists to be a place where: > you can share common experiences, > learn what steps to take, > navigate care decisions with confidence, > find those surprising and unique tips, and > to make sure you have a chance to laugh and relax in a supportive environment. You don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t even need to know the right questions yet. This community is here to help you find your direction—one step at a time. While we all share many things in common as we care for our older loved ones, each situation is unique and deserves special attention. So, to get started, please share a bit about you -- 🌎Where is your favorite vacation spot? 🍿What is your favorite movie? 😎What is your favorite emoji? Again, welcome!! Looking forward to sharing ideas, experiences and thoughts with each of you!

I’m excited to share that our community has a new name and icon: The Family Care Compass. It became clear that what we do here goes beyond my business name, Vacca Associates. This group exists to help you find direction when caring for aging parents or loved ones whether you are just at the beginning stage of providing care or are more experienced with wisdom to share. The Family Care Compass reflects what this community truly is: - A place to get clear, practical guidance - A place to ask real questions - A place to feel supported as you navigate family care decisions Nothing about the original purpose and heart of this community is changing—just the name that better reflects my desire to reach more families. For the new year, I am building out courses with the Aging Family Caregiving Primer as a basic overview of the beginning steps to family caregiving which will be free to all members. There will be more advanced offerings for those who want to go deeper or receive one-on-one help. One new offering will be "Ask Marsha" weekly live sessions. You will be able to put questions in a community post and I will address those questions in a brief weekly live session together. There is more to come, so thank you for being here as we grow this community and provide support and help that meets the needs of family caregivers.

Hello Marsha. Thanks for the add. Here's a little bit about my experiences with caretaking. I was a Nurse Aide as a young adult on the geriatric ward. The filled my heart and drained it at the same time. I helped take care of a grandparent for a few months, and my best friend recovering from a double mastectomy. Caretakers take on a lot of extra responsibilities and emotions - even the little things like being treated like a child or servant as dementia sets in. I'm not currently a caretaker, but I know it takes a big heart and outstretched arms. Celebrating all the caretakers in this group. Here's to strength for this day, for this moment. You got this!

When you have had to care for loved one, either temporary or long term, what has been the most challenging aspect of being a caregiver at that time? Here's a quick poll. Make sure to add in the comments an area of concern that I did not list in the poll.

Hi all, I am currently working on a new course that will cover a number of key issues on being a family caregiver and working with older adults. While I have my own ideas of what I want to cover, please drop me a comment and share with me what you think are some of the key areas we could all use some tips and hints on as we care for aging adults. Thanks!! Remember -- feel free to share this group with others and encourage them to join! Here's the link: bit.ly/3IKSo3J or they can use this QR code: