ParentingParents2026_Flipbook by Baton Rouge Business Report

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PARENTING PARENTS An essential resource guide for the caregivers of aging loved ones SPONSORED BY:

g for Generations Carin

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BALANCING SAFETY AND INDEPENDENCE PRACTICAL STEPS TO SUPPORT AGING PARENTS

aring for an aging parent often means navigating a delicate balance: protecting their safety while honoring their independence. At The Baton Rouge Clinic, Dr. Rachel Gruner and Dr. Tyler Theriot emphasize that proactive, compassionate planning helps families keep loved ones safe, engaged and living well at home for as long as possible. START THE CONVERSATION EARLY Annual wellness visits are more than a formality – they’re an opportunity. Dr. Gruner recommends beginning these conversations at age 65, even if your parent seems healthy. Simple screening questions about walking, balance, memory and daily activities open the door to meaningful planning without surprising your loved one. Framing the talk around preserving independence – not taking it away – reduces fear and keeps the family aligned. LOOK FOR EARLY WARNING SIGNS Small changes can be the first clues that more support is needed. Dr. Theriot points out that shifts in social habits, sleep disturbances, hearing loss or subtle memory changes are all worth noting. These signs can be addressed early through lifestyle strategies such as better sleep, staying socially active, hearing evaluations and targeted exercises, as well as routine cognitive screenings when recommended. PREVENT FALLS WITH ASSESSMENT AND SIMPLE HOME CHANGES Falls are one of the most immediate threats to independence. The Baton Rouge Clinic team stresses the value of physical therapy, balance training and exercise programs. At home, practical adjustments make a big difference: remove loose rugs, improve lighting and night lights along common paths, secure grab bars into wall studs rather than relying on suction-cup mounts,

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and relocate frequently used items to avoid climbing. In addition, consider adaptive equipment to improve mobility safely. MANAGE MEDICATIONS WISELY Multiple medications can cause dizziness, confusion or dangerous interactions. Dr. Gruner advises bringing all medications to appointments and involving family in medication reviews. Consolidating or simplifying regimens, using pill organizers and coordinating with pharmacists can reduce risk while maintaining treatment benefits. BE THOUGHTFUL ABOUT DRIVING AND INDEPENDENCE Driving is deeply tied to autonomy but may become unsafe with physical or cognitive decline. The clinicians recommend gentle, objective approaches: ride along with your parent in familiar settings and consider thirdparty driving assessments if needed. MAKE HEALTHY AGING PERSONAL “Healthy aging” looks different for everyone. Dr. Theriot says quality of life is the guiding principle, whether it’s gardening, cutting the grass, painting or simply attending social events. Families and clinicians should work together to support the activities that matter most to the individual, modifying tasks when needed so they can continue doing what brings them joy.

LEAN ON YOUR PRIMARY CARE TEAM Balancing safety and independence isn’t a single decision; it’s an ongoing conversation. Start early, watch for subtle changes, make practical home and medication adjustments, and partner with your clinicians to keep the people you love living well, on their own terms. The Baton Rouge Clinic’s team of experts is here to guide you through every step. To make an appointment or for more information, visit online at batonrougeclinic.com or call 225.246.9240.

RACHEL GRUNER, MD

TYLER THERIOT, MD

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WEALTH MANAGEMENT | RETIREMENT PLANNING | ELDER CARE PLANNING | ESTATE & LEGACY PLANNING | AND MORE Gordon D. Ellis, Jr CLU®, ChFC® and Daryl R. Ellis, CFP®, CAP®, Registered Representatives offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC, A Licensed Insurance Agency. 8280 YMCA Plaza Drive, Building 1, Baton Rouge, LA 70810, 225-925-8312. *Financial Advisors offering Investment Advisory Services through Eagle Strategies LLC, A Registered Investment Adviser. NYLIFE Securities and Eagle Strategies are New York Life companies. Ellis Insurance & Financial Group is not owned or operated by NYLIFE Securities LLC or its Affiliates. Read more about the Forbes SHOOK®Research Top Financial Security Professionals list and the ranking methodology here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rjshook/2025/07/10/methodology-americas-top-financial-security-professionals-2025/ inRegister.com • March 2026 59

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KEEPING PARENTS ACTIVE AND CONNECTED:

aring for aging parents is a full‑time act of love, and the East Baton Rouge Parish Library is here to help make that care more joyful, active and connected. Whether your parent is living independently, in a congregate setting or attending a day program, the library offers practical, accessible programs and resources designed to support mobility, mental stimulation, creativity and social engagement.

Keep Them Moving And Safe Staying physically active is one of the best ways to preserve independence. The library’s offerings include both in‑person and digital classes such as chair yoga, tai chi and line dancing, all of which improve balance, flexibility and confidence. For seniors who prefer short, on demand activities, the library offers access to Hiveclass, a digital platform that supports both physical and cognitive wellness. With options ranging from yoga and pickleball to brain exercises and more, these bite sized lessons make it easy for older adults to stay active on their own schedule.

EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH LIBRARY RESOURCES FOR CAREGIVERS

Accessible Tech & Makerspace Access The library understands that technology can feel intimidating for both seniors and their adult children. To help bridge that gap, branches offer free basic computer classes covering skills like email, internet use and everyday software that many seniors rely on to stay connected online. In addition, it offers staff‑assisted and online badging for maker lab equipment including 3D printers, Cricuts and laser cutters, allowing older adults to participate safely and confidently when they’re ready.

Bring The Library To Them If transportation or mobility is a barrier, the library’s bookmobile and outreach partnerships bring programming directly to seniors. The library’s bookmobile makes regular visits to more than 50 senior living facilities each month, bringing a curated selection of large print books, audiobooks and other materials directly to residents. These on‑site visits expand opportunities for socialization and mental stimulation without the stress of travel.

Activities That Spark Joy

How To Get Started

Not everyone enjoys a gym class, and that’s okay. The library provides a variety of creative activities that keep minds sharp and hands busy. Popular in‑person programs include local history and genealogy, which allow participants to explore personal stories and community connections. Through online platforms like Creativebug, Craftsy, ArtistWorks, and Gale Presents: Udemy (all available free with a library card), your parent can explore painting, paper quilting, journaling and more from home or during group sessions hosted at library branches and senior centers.

Visit your local East Baton Rouge Parish Library branch or the library’s website, ebrpl.com, to explore schedules, reserve spots or request an outreach visit. Staff can recommend programs tailored to mobility level, interests and accessibility needs. Many resources are available both in‑person and online, free with your library card. Caring for a parent can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. The East Baton Rouge Parish Library is committed to supporting families with practical and welcoming services that help older adults thrive.

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To learn more about online resources, visit the Digital Library at ebrpl.com/digitallibrary. You can also explore the library’s newsletter The Source and browse upcoming events on the online events calendar at ebrpl.co/events.

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SUPPORT, EDUCATION AND HOPE FOR DEMENTIA CARE PARTNERS

aring for an aging parent with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia is a journey few adult children expect, but many find themselves navigating through it. Between medical appointments, financial decisions and day-to-day caregiving, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area exists for this very reason: to ensure that no care partner has to walk this road alone. Serving a 10-parish area, Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area offers a comprehensive network of education, support and connection designed for individuals living with dementia, their families and the professionals who support them. Their programs meet families where they are, whether newly diagnosed or years into caregiving.

medical emergency. Programs like TLC for Care Partners, Arts & Alzheimer’s and the Alzheimer’s Care Partner Book Club create meaningful opportunities for joy, creativity and shared experience. Practical support is also available through Respite Reimbursement, helping care partners take much-needed breaks. For individuals living with dementia themselves, Brain Café offers community and connection, while Sip & Support provides a space for former care partners who are grieving.

Five Tips For Care Partners

Alzheimer’s Services encourages care partners to remember a few essential principles along the way:

Education That Empowers

Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools a care partner can have. Alzheimer’s Services provides multiple educational opportunities that help families better understand the disease and adapt with confidence. Their popular Lunch-N-Learn series is a monthly virtual program featuring expert-led discussions on dementia care, communication strategies and current research. For families facing complex financial decisions, Making Sense of Cents offers a free, virtual three-part workshop covering financial resources, insurance, estate planning and how to recognize and prevent fraud. The Adapt Series focuses on practical, everyday solutions – small changes that can make a big difference in safety, comfort and independence. The organization also hosts an Annual Education Conference, a one-day event bringing together leading experts

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and the latest best practices in dementia care. For those focused on prevention and brain health, the Dementia Risk Reduction Education Series provides research-based strategies to support cognitive wellness.

Support That Sustains

Education matters, but so does connection. Alzheimer’s Services offers a wide range of support programs designed to reduce isolation and caregiver burnout. Care partners can find understanding and encouragement through Care Partner Support Groups, while the organization’s Helpline connects families with trained staff who can answer questions and help navigate available resources. Safety is also a priority through MedicAlert + Safe Return, a nationwide emergency response service for individuals who may wander or have a

Learn what local support is available and use it.

Educate yourself about the disease and effective communication strategies.

Plan ahead with advanced care planning

Build a care partner “village” that includes family, friends, respite and support programs.

Most importantly, listen to your loved one. Even with dementia, purpose, joy and dignity remain possible.

Caring for a parent with dementia is never easy, but with the right support, it can be filled with compassion, connection and moments of meaning. Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area is here to help families navigate every step of the journey. Learn more at alzbr.org

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“In hindsight people often recognize the subtle shifts

RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS

and clues that were there.” -Shelly Weaver, director of social work at The Hospice of Baton Rouge.

LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE WHEN ASSESSING HOW MUCH HELP AN AGING LOVED ONE NEEDS

aring for aging parents is a complex, emotional and often exhausting journey. Recognizing when a parent needs assistance can be challenging, as the signs are often subtle and easily explained away. That’s why experts say the No. 1 priority of family caregivers and loved ones during this delicate stage of life can be summed up in three words: Connect the dots. Various indicators, from declining physical health to changes in behavior, may not seem serious when taken individually. Taken together, they can suggest that an aging parent needs additional and, in some cases, specialized professional support. Whatever the conclusion, the situation must be approached with sensitivity and a respect for their autonomy.

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Brandon Ratcliff, president and founder of Homecare of Louisiana and a Certified Dementia Specialist, understands firsthand the challenges of caring for the elderly. He notes that many families find themselves in a situation where one spouse is caring for the other, and the caregiver’s health subsequently declines. “They become more forgetful,” Ratcliff explains. “You might notice that mom isn’t quite taking care of her house the way she used to, she’s constantly calling you, and a lot of times it’s because they’re lonely.” He emphasizes the significant impact of loneliness on seniors, citing a National Institute on Aging study that equates six to eight hours of daily solitude to smoking 15 cigarettes. The institute notes that people with hearing and vision loss are especially

at risk of social isolation and loneliness and suggests things like taking a class, adopting a pet or using video chat or smart speakers to stay connected. Other warning signs can include missed medications, spoiled food in the refrigerator, confusion about finances, frequent falls and a decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities. Ratcliff also points out that seniors may avoid bathing due to a fear of falling in the shower. They also may become hesitant to leave the house due to similar anxieties. These seemingly minor changes can be significant indicators that a parent is struggling. The question of when to intervene is crucial. Ratcliff suggests that by the time family members recognize the signs, it’s often past time for intervention.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION “Once you see the warning signs, you need to step in,” he advises, “because it could mean the difference between four to six hours of care a day versus 24 hours.” EARLY INTERVENTION CAN SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE A PARENT’S QUALITY OF LIFE AND PREVENT FURTHER DECLINE. Having the conversation about needing help can be difficult. If a parent is a danger to themselves or others, Ratcliff advises, “It’s time for the kids to become the parents.” Just as parents made difficult decisions for their children, adult children may need to make tough choices for their parents—even if those choices are met with resistance. Ratcliff notes that while elderly individuals are often appreciative of care, they may be reluctant to accept it due to a fear of losing their independence or having a stranger in their home. Homecare of Louisiana prioritizes matching caregivers with clients based on personality, recognizing the importance of a strong and compatible relationship. “We have some folks with Alzheimer’s and

dementia that are kicking and screaming in the conversation with me,” Ratcliff shares, “but a week later this caregiver is their best friend.” Director of Social Work Shelly Weaver, who has worked with The Hospice of Baton Rouge for 17 years, emphasizes the importance of early intervention. “In hindsight,” she says, “people often recognize the subtle shifts and clues that were there, such as frequent falls, forgetfulness, unopened bills, stacks of letters on the counter piling up.” Weaver stresses the importance of balancing respect for a parent’s autonomy with the need to ensure their safety. She recommends being proactive and direct in conversations, offering specific support rather than simply asking if help is needed. Suggestions include setting up automatic bill payments, arranging grocery deliveries and organizing a schedule of family and friends to check in regularly. Weaver also advocates for having these conversations early and often, not waiting until a serious illness or crisis occurs.

“Once you see the warning signs, you need to step in. It could mean the difference between four to six hours of care a day versus 24 hours." - Brandon Ratcliff, president and founder, Homecare of Louisiana

“Adult children can advocate more easily if they aren’t guessing what their parents want,” she says, citing the example of a friend whose father was diagnosed with dementia. Because they had discussed his preferences beforehand, they were able to choose a group home that was a good fit for him, allowing him to spend his final days in comfort surrounded by family. Weaver’s experience in hospice has prompted her to plan for her own future, including choosing a burial plot, writing her obituary and creating a financial guide for her husband. “It’s never too early,” she says. Recognizing the signs that aging parents need assistance is a crucial step in ensuring their wellbeing. By understanding the various indicators, approaching the conversation with sensitivity and offering specific support, families can help their parents maintain their independence and quality of life while providing the necessary care and assistance they deserve.

Committed to the Capital Region. Focused on Your Health. At Ochsner Baton Rouge, delivering exceptional, trusted healthcare is what we do best. Our talented and experienced teams work across our hospitals, clinics, outpatient and short-stay surgery facilities to provide in-person and digital options to meet you wherever you are on your healthcare journey. With over 650 physicians and advanced practice providers in more than 30 specialties, we deliver leading-edge, evidence-based care tailored to your needs. Every day, our goal remains to strengthen the communities we serve by putting patients first. As the Capital region grows, so does our commitment to providing reliable, accessible healthcare, today and for the future.

Visit ochsner.org/batonrouge to learn more.

Care for those you love When aging parents need extra support, we’re here to help. Decision Critical Concierge Nursing Agency provides exceptional, compassionate private duty nursing care— whether it’s after surgery, for chronic conditions, IV Hydration, or ongoing support at home. FLEXIBLE, PERSONALIZED CARE PLANS EXPERIENCED, COMPASSIONATE NURSES CARE THAT COMES TO YOU PEACE OF MIND FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY DECISIONCRITICALBR.COM | (225) 320-1201

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healthcare

ASK THE

EXPERT

What Is The Real Cause Of Certain Neck and Back Pains — and Is Surgery Truly Necessary? Most neck and back pain that occurs as we age is related to degenerative arthritis of the spinal discs and joints. The spine wears out just like knees and hips. Much of the spine surgery we do is to “rebuild” the bad spinal segments.

Many Spinal and Nerve Conditions Improve With Conservative Care. What Non-Surgical Treatments Should I Try First? We save surgery as the last resort and try Physical Therapy or Chiropractor Care first. If that doesn’t work, we will often try various types of injections and small procedures before surgery…kind of like WD-40 for the rusty hinges of the spine.

DR. ERIC OBERLANDER BOARD CERTIFIED NEUROSURGEON

As a board certified and fellowship-trained neurosurgeon, Dr. Oberlander has under-

What Are The Risks, Success Rates, and Long-Term Outcomes? Spinal surgery is extremely complex. Outcomes vary considerably based on many variables….but most importantly do research on your surgeon. Look for fellowship training in spine surgery, which is advanced training for the surgeon after their basic training….my Fellowship is in “Minimally Invasive and Complex Spine Surgery”. A good outcome starts with a good plan. Many surgeries start with a bad plan, and the end result is suboptimal.

gone the most intensive training in spinal surgery that exists. His expertise truly diagnoses and treats a wide variety of conditions affecting the entire spine. His extensive and diverse surgical experience includes spine trauma, tumors, degenerative diseases, herniated discs, pinched nerves, neck pain, back pain, sciatica, stenosis, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Dr. Oberlander is an award-winning spine

What Can I Change In My Daily Life to Prevent Worsening Pain?

specialist and has one of the busiest spine

See us early to get advice…and to establish a baseline MRI for your neck and back. Keep your weight in check and avoid tobacco products like the plague. Non-impact exercise like biking and elliptical is preferred to jogging or other high impact exercise.

of the few board-certified neurosurgeons

How Do You Find the Right Spine Surgeon? The Neuromedical Center has done that for you…all our surgeons are great. Also the insurance companies have the surgery outcome data….they know which surgeons are elite and avoid complications. There are entire insurance companies now that steer their patients to surgeons that get fewer complications and thus better outcomes. Lantern (Lanterncare.com) is one such company…they send me patients from throughout the south, even hundreds of miles away.

surgery practices in the country, routinely seeing 8,000 patient visits per year. As one in Louisiana with fellowship training in minimally invasive and complex spinal surgery, his services are in high demand. Team Oberlander focuses on fixing the problem without surgery but is ready to use the latest cutting-edge techniques, including robotic and laser spine surgery if conservative measures fail.

Experience matters and Dr. Oberlander has fixed over 35,000 spinal segments in the past 18 years making him one of the most experienced neurosurgical spine surgeons in America. Join the 8,000 patients per year that see Team Oberlander. Call today.

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CHALLENGES MOUNT FOR MILLENNIALS ‘SANDWICHED’ BETWEEN THEIR CHILDREN AND AGING PARENTS

ecent studies show that a quarter of millennials in the United States find themselves balancing caregiving roles for two generations: their baby boomer parents and their own Generation Alpha children. As this scenario continues to unfold, it’s given rise to a new generational label, the “sandwich generation,” and members of this cohort are facing significant challenges. Their dual burden roles position them with intense time commitments, significant financial strain and personal savings and wellbeing sacrifices. Almost half of sandwich-generation adults reported that there was a time when their household was unable to meet essential expenses due to the costs of caregiving. Louisiana millennials find themselves sandwiched as well. The state’s lagging support for medical care, lower median incomes, and the fact seniors are the fastest-growing demographic in the state exacerbate underlying issues. The state does offer a number of support programs, however, including: • Aging and Disability Resource Centers: Streamlines access to long-term support services and facilitates for older adults, caregivers, persons with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities. • The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA): Offers residents access to CareNav, a free tool guiding caregivers on navigating time management, benefits and care coordination. • Project SOAR: Louisiana Department of Health program empowers caregivers to share experiences and feedback, though this program currently focuses mainly on early-childhood healthcare.

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Communities play an important role in support as well; faith-based groups, nonprofit caregiving support and local AARP chapters often offer advice, mutual support and connection. But experts say systemic support, not just individual coping strategies, is essential. Recommendations include: • Financial planning: Tight budgeting, emergency funds and prioritizing emergency savings and paying down high-interest debt. • Clarity: Honest conversations on financial status, estate planning, power of attorney and end-of-life wishes help clarify needs and boundaries. • Support: Medicaid, respite care, caregiver training and support groups can help

offset emotional and logistical pressures. Medicare expansion to cover in-home care or federal long-term care insurance funded by payroll taxes have gained traction are also potential ways to ease caregiver burdens. • Employer support: Urging employers to adjust their protocols to reflect the reality and pressures of modern caregiving. With strong financial planning, open communication, use of support networks and shifting policies, caregivers can create more sustainable strategies for balancing responsibilities across generations—while preserving their own future.

According to the retirement services company Athene, NEARLY THREE QUARTERS OF AMERICAN MILLENNIALS have adjusted retirement goals to support their children and aging relatives, including:

34%

22%

DELAYING RETIREMENT

USING RETIREMENT ASSETS TO SUPPORT THEIR FAMILY

NOT PLANNING TO RETIRE AT ALL

Celebrating

Premier Senior Care Services We believe aging is a journey to be celebrated—a time for comfort, dignity, and the joy of living life on your terms. Our premier non-medical home care services provide personalized support with elegance, ensuring you or your loved one continue to enjoy the lifestyle you cherish. With compassionate caregivers and a commitment to excellence, we offer assistance with daily routines, personal care, companionship, and the little touches that make life special. Because every stage of life deserves to be lived beautifully. At Home Care of Louisiana – Honoring Your Journey, Elevating Your Care. Contact us today to experience care designed for a life well-lived.

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Because Choosing the Right Care Is a Family Decision We understand how important it is to find a place where your loved one is safe, cared for, and treated with respect. Our communities across South Louisiana offer attentive care, meaningful connection, and a comforting place to call home.

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UNDERSTANDING CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND WHAT TO WATCH FOR

our body changes throughout your lifetime – and often, it sends signals long before a serious condition develops. Knowing what to look for and paying attention to subtle changes can make a lifesaving difference. Cardiovascular disease includes all conditions affecting not only the heart, but also the arteries and veins throughout the body. It can appear in many ways, sometimes through subtle signs, or remain silent until a heart attack or stroke occurs. “As our loved ones age, heart health changes quietly and gradually. Shortness of breath, new fatigue, swelling in the legs, pain with walking or subtle changes in memory can all be signs the heart is under strain. Paying attention early – and trusting your instincts – can make the difference between managing a condition and reacting to a crisis,” says Dr. Garland Green,

VEIN DISEASE

(Chronic Venous Insufficiency)

One commonly overlooked condition is vein disease, or chronic venous insufficiency. Vein disease occurs when the veins in the legs struggle to return blood to the heart. Instead of flowing upward, blood pools in the legs,

interventional cardiologist at Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) in Baton Rouge. CIS has three locations in the capital region, including Baton Rouge, Prairieville, and Zachary. Its physicians are specialists in diagnosing and treating all forms of cardiovascular disease. Schedule an appointment today by visiting cardio.com

Heaviness, tightness, or swelling in the legs, especially by the end of the day

•

Itching, restlessness, or discomfort that interferes with sleep

WHAT YOU MAY SEE: •

Dark, rope-like, bulging veins

•

Visible varicose or spider veins

•

Skin changes such as dryness, flaking, discoloration, or eczema

•

Slow-healing sores or ulcers near the ankles

While light blue veins can be normal, progressive changes or persistent discomfort should not be ignored. These symptoms are not just cosmetic and can often be treated with conservative therapies or minimally invasive procedures to improve quality of life.

the arteries that feed your heart.

WHAT YOU MAY FEEL:

Many people with PAD have no symptoms –

•

Nausea, indigestion or heartburn

•

Dizziness, lightheadedness or fatigue

•

Persistent cough or palpitations

•

Shortness of breath

up to 50 percent go undiagnosed. PAD occurs when arteries in the legs become narrowed, restricting blood flow.

jaw or back

WHAT YOU MAY FEEL:

A heart attack, also known as myocardial

•

Painful cramping in the legs during

infarction, occurs when there is a sudden

movement or exercise

blockage in one of the coronary arteries, which

•

Numbness or coldness in the legs or feet

supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.

•

Sores on the toes, feet, or legs that do not heal

WHAT YOU MAY SEE:

WHAT YOU MAY FEEL: •

Chest pain or discomfort

•

Pain in the arm, neck, jaw, back, or

•

Discoloration of the legs or feet

•

Slower toenail or hair growth on the legs

•

Nausea or vomiting

•

Weak or absent pulses in the legs or feet

•

Indigestion or cold sweats

•

Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness

•

Unexplained anxiety or fatigue

•

A feeling of fullness or squeezing in the

conservative therapies.

Aching, burning, or cramping

periods of sitting or standing

buildup or blockage inside of one or more of

Pain that spreads to the arm, neck,

in the legs

•

attack. Heart disease refers to a plaque

Chest pain or pressure

through minimally invasive procedures and

Throbbing pain that worsens after long

can progress and potentially lead to a heart

•

tissues.

•

gradually, but if left untreated, heart disease

•

Like vein disease, PAD can also be treated

•

Heart disease symptoms often develop

PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE (PAD)

placing pressure on the veins and surrounding

WHAT YOU MAY FEEL:

HEART DISEASE & HEART ATTACK

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (Hypertension)

High blood pressure is another factor that often goes unnoticed. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as it circulates through your heart and blood vessels. When blood pressure becomes too high, it can damage your arteries, as well as your brain, kidneys and eyes, and it also increases your chance for heart attack and stroke. A high blood pressure reading is considered 130/80 mm Hg or higher.

WHAT YOU MIGHT NOTICE: •

Frequent headaches

•

Vision changes

•

Chest pressure

•

Dizziness or swelling

•

Heart palpitations

stomach

chest

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LEGACY CONVERSATIONS DON’T MISS THE CHANCE TO EXPLORE YOUR FAMILY HISTORY BEFORE PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS PASS

s our parents age, the family dynamic begins a profound shift. We begin to recognize the importance of the stories – told and untold – about the life experiences they’ve had and the wisdom they’ve gained as a result. Those life experiences are the foundation of our extended family identities. Capturing and preserving these precious legacies through meaningful conversations and creative documentation is more than a reminiscence. It preserves history for future generations, and brings adult children and their elders closer together at the precise

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moment they need each other most. Jen Cramer, director of the T. Harry Williams Center for Oral History at Louisiana State University, was first learning about oral history as a student when her teacher said something she never forgot: “Every time an elder dies, a library burns down.” Conducting an oral history with a parent or grandparent is a great way to connect with a loved one and deepen the roots of our past. The Williams Center staff can offer guidance on how to conduct interviews, how to turn your phone into a broadcast quality recorder and how to make sure that your interview is

“Every time an elder dies, a library burns down.” -Jen Cramer, director, T. Harry Williams Center for Oral History at Louisiana State University

secured for future generations. Legacy conversations provide context for who we are and can offer comfort in times of hardship, guidance in moments of uncertainty and a powerful sense of belonging. The benefits of engaging in legacy conversations are far-reaching. For aging parents, it can be a chance to reflect on their life and share their wisdom and experiences with those they love. For children, it can strengthen family bonds, foster empathy and provide a sense of continuity. They might offer a chance to ask questions you’ve always wanted to ask and to understand your

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION parents on a deeper level. For future generations, these preserved stories and histories will serve as a powerful connection to their ancestors, shaping their understanding of themselves and their place in the world. HOW TO EVEN BEGIN ONE OF THESE CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS? Cramer suggests asking open-ended questions and giving the person telling their story space by listening. Follow-up questions are a good way to keep the conversation flowing and taking photos is never a bad idea. Finally, you can consider partnering with an organization like the Williams Center (learn more at lib.lsu.edu/oralhistory) or the Library of Congress Veterans History Project (learn more below) that can preserve your interview. Videoing the interview can help capture not just the stories themselves, but also the nuances of expression, the tone of voice and the personality of the storyteller. These recordings can then be passed down to family members. Writing memoirs, either individually or collaboratively, organizing family photos or

creating memory books are other powerful ways to preserve family history. In June, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library launched “Summer of Legacy ” for those interested in creating a Legacy Letter to be shared with loved ones. Free workshops will continue every Monday in August during which participants take part in a live, online session with Legacy Letter founder Blake Brewer. Register at EBRPL. com/digital-library/summer-of-legacy. Participants craft a heartfelt Legacy Letter—a personal message to children, grandchildren, or loved ones that conveys care, certainty, affection, apologies, family history and values, memories and more. For families who may have a member showing signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia, Legacy Letters can be a tool for preservation and renewal. “We think it has the potential to be a transformative experience for the entire community,” stated Brandon Reilly, adult programming coordinator. Once the live sessions are over, a selfpaced Legacy Letter module will continue to be available at EBRPL.com/digital-library.

The library also continues to schedule regular programs and workshops related to capturing oral history, scanning and organizing important family papers and documents and digitizing home movies. Beyond the Legacy Letter program, other valuable resources exist to aid in preserving family stories. StoryCorps, since 2003, has been building the largest collection of human voices ever archived. It offers selfdirected recording tools and recording sites, encouraging individuals to have meaningful conversations and preserve their voices for future generations. Sites like StoryKeeper and Storyworth help you record family stories in a keepsake book, while MyHeritage allows you to create a family tree, search records about your ancestors and even test your DNA. The legacy we leave behind is not just material possessions, but also the memories that mold us. By engaging in legacy conversations and preserving their revelations, we are not only honoring our parents and ancestors, we are gifting future generations a better understanding of themselves.

If your aging loved one is a U.S. military veteran, consider recording an oral history and donating it to the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.

LEARN HOW AT LOC.gov/programs/veterans-history-project.

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