aging parents: Thankful for Mom's Progress - Gratitude From Our Multi-Gen Home - 11/03/18 08:59 AM

 
Mom is doing well. It's such a relief too. We were all concerned that the loss of dad would be devastating to her. After all, they had been together for seventy-two years, seventy of those as married couple. Prior to his death, she frequently expressed anxiety and fear about what life would look like without him in it.  It's understandable. 
 
On November 13th, it will have been two months since dad died. Really not too long in the greater scheme of things. However, mom is rocking her transition into life as a widow. She has a new library card and is listening to books on CD. It's fun … (25 comments)

aging parents: A Sunday Morning in July at our Multi-Generational Home - 07/08/18 08:37 AM
Sunday Morning at Our Multi-Generational Home

It’s been a while since I’ve written an update about life at our multigenerational home. Dad is still with us, and while he is too weak to get out of bed these days, he is not too uncomfortable at this point. We are so grateful. 
 
Mornings are my favorite time with dad. I’m ( Debb) an early riser, therefore it’s usually my job to get the various coffee pots brewing. Bernie’s is made in a Technivorm Moccamaster, I use a french press, and dad drinks his blend out of an old-fashioned Mr. Coffee machine. 
 
I digress. The point is my … (36 comments)

aging parents: News from Our Multi-Generational Home in Camas - Dad's Health - 02/07/18 02:03 PM
 
My sister and I took dad to his doctor appointment a few weeks ago. We either take turns, or share in the multiple medical visits both of our parents have these days.  The dentist, foot doctor, eye doctor, heart specialist, geriatrician, internist, and such, times two aging parents, keeps the wheels on our cars turning. Generally, though, Cheri and I go together to the big appointments, ones in which we know the doctor is going to need our observations and involvement to make good decisions. We are advocates in our parents health care, especially of late, dad. He’ll be 89 years old … (14 comments)

aging parents: Multigenerational Homes - Flexibility and a Sense of Humor - 01/24/18 07:42 AM

When talking about the importance of flexibility in a Multigenerational home, we’re not talking about the type of flexibility needed for yoga poses. Although, yoga and meditation are certainly good tools for coping with life in any household. In this particular application though, we’re talking about the ability to adjust plans quickly. Families always come with surprises – illnesses and health issues, unexpected obligations, and the many other little hiccups life throws your way. Add multiple generations or other family members to the mix, and you’re in need of some major Olympian style flexibility.  And a good sense of humor.

The ability to adjust … (28 comments)

aging parents: Backyard ADU's and other Multigenerational options in Clark County, WA - 07/27/15 03:45 AM
ADU’s and other Backyard Cottages for Aging Parents in Clark County, WA
There is a growing trend in Clark County, and around the country. Many of us are choosing to care for mom and dad instead of opting for impersonal and expensive nursing homes. However, many of us, including our parents, still want separate space and privacy. 
The housing industry and current inventory has failed to keep up with the the demand for multigenerational housing situations. Some families can’t afford the expense, or may not want to manage the process of building a new structure for separate living quarters. 
One solution is a modular ADU … (23 comments)

aging parents: 65 Years of Happily Ever After - My parents, my neighbors. - 09/18/13 04:08 AM
65 Years of Happily Ever After - My parents, my neighbors.
Congratulations to one of my favorite married couples, my parents. They have been married for 65 years today. Imagine that. Sixty five years of lving life together. 
I just checked, and this is the year for gifting a sapphire. It's doubtful mom, or dad for that matter, will be getting or giving one another a sapphire. That's really not their style.
Instead, they will want a quiet evening with an early dinner somewhere close to home. No fanfare, no attention. My husband and I have decided we'll tag along … (25 comments)

aging parents: Aging Parents in Clark County, Washington - A lesson from Grandpa Green - 04/11/12 01:35 AM
If you are a baby boomer with an aging parent in Clark County, Washington, you’re not alone. Many of us in this generation are facing the reality that our parents have reached the age where they need our help as a caregiver or adviser.  Fortunately, there are various options to fit many circumstances. For example, my husband and I live in Camas, and my parents are our neighbors.  We set it up a few years ago, knowing it would be a good situation for all of us.  My husband and I can keep an eye on them, and they in turn, … (21 comments)

aging parents: My neighbors, my parents. - 01/20/12 11:07 AM
I know my neighbors really well. In fact, very, very well. They are my parents. We've lived next door to one another for five years. Fortunately, they are for the most part, still quite independent and capable. None the less, it's good to be close - just in case.
 
Naturally, in these five years, I've noticed some changes. Most notably, a loss of memory with dad. He repeats stories and tells me things a few hours after I've already heard them. Mom often looks to gauge my reaction.  Normally, I wink at her discreetly and pretend I'm hearing it … (30 comments)

 
Debb Janes, Put My Love of Nature At Work for You  (Nature As Neighbors)

Debb Janes

Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Camas, WA

More about me…

Nature As Neighbors

Address: 3200 SE 164th Avenue, Suite 301, Vancouver, WA, 98683

Office: (360) 608-4900

Mobile: (360) 608-4900

Debb Janes and Bernie Stea have been a real estate team for over a decade in Clark County, WA, where they specialize in ViewHomes™, family estates, multi-generational living, and homes with large lots or acreage.


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