“We know the important role family caregivers play. We work with families every day who either are researching their options for assisted living and memory care or have loved ones living at The Palace Gardens,” said Director of Sales Elizabeth Martinez. “We want families to know we are here for them and are a resource.”
In the United States, it is estimated there are 65.7 million caregivers and 66 percent are female. One-third of caregivers may take care of two or more people. Of those caring for a person older than 65, the average age of caregivers is 63 and many are in poor health.
Each month, The Palace offers caregivers educational lectures known as “The Palace Passport Lunch & Learns”. Guests can come for an enjoyable lunch while also meeting other family caregivers. Research shows that being with others in similar situations can may people feel less alone and provide a sense of hope.
“Family caregiving can be a 24 hours a day, seven days a week job,” she said. “Inevitably, families with loved ones living at The Palace Gardens say they can now spend more quality time together. We’ve lessened some of their burdens and our community provides peace of mind that the care of a parent is being handled by a trained team, not just one person.”
Martinez says it’s not unusual to find a daughter coming to have breakfast with her dad or a son stopping in on his way home to see his mother.
In fact, The Palace Gardens, as in all Palace communities, encourages family events. From special holiday observances to themed dinner parties, the entire family is welcomed.
“Everyone is invited including the family dog,” she said. “We host monthly ‘Family & Friends’ events that are complimentary and planned for the entire family. We want grandchildren and great-grands to enjoy visiting a grandparent. We want children to associate The Palace Gardens as a place to have fun and not where they have to tiptoe quietly. There may be face painting, costumed characters and even petting zoos. Special menus are planned with the younger set in mind as well as adult children.”
Without the responsibilities of day-to-day care and having to figure out who will help with medication or assist with bath, relationships are truly able to flourish and often times, they are strengthened.
“An assisted living and memory care community such as The Palace can play an important role in the lives of the senior as well as the family caregiver,” Martinez added. “Our doors are always opened and we are here to be of help.”
