Supporting the Aging Journey - Debbie Hertha, Creative Aging Company
Debbie Hertha
Gerontologist and aging specialist explains the “aging journey”, and the innovative solutions provided by her company to support older adults and their caregivers.
Intro by Tania Reitsma
The topic of aging has been on my mind a lot over these past few years. Maybe it’s because I’m on the cusp of turning forty and finally feeling like I’m “getting older”. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m really looking forward to entering my forties for many reasons. But on the other hand, it also means that as I age, the other older adults in my life—my mother and my husband’s parents, for example—are also continuing to get older too.
Nowadays, I often catch myself worrying about their physical, social and emotional well-being. What options will they have to continue living their desired lifestyles? How can I assist them in the best way possible? What might life even look like for these older adults in my life—in the years to come?
In order to better educate myself on the topic of aging, I decided to reach out to Debbie Hertha, an experienced Gerontologist and Aging Specialist who lives right here in Steveston, Richmond, BC. Not only does Debbie have a Masters Degree in Gerontology, she has spent over 25 years working in the seniors service in both Ontario and British Columbia.
Debbie is also the founder of Creative Aging, a company on a mission “to keep older adults happy, healthy and thriving throughout their aging journey.”
The Gerontology Sessions, Consulting Services and Social Opportunities provided by Debbie’s company are designed to “take away the stress, frustration and confusion faced by anyone trying to navigate aging issues and challenges, but are unsure of what to do and where to start.”
Not only does Creative Aging serve people who manage their own aging issues, the company also exists to help caregivers and support workers, as well as organizations and businesses with aging and caregiving clients, customers and employees.
In this article Debbie Hertha will tell us about:
Her connection to Steveston and vision for serving this community
What is gerontology?
What the aging journey looks like
Considerations around aging at home or moving
Creative ways she helps to facilitate conversations around aging and build community connections for seniors
Supporting the Aging Journey by Debbie Hertha
My connection to Steveston and why I want to serve this community
Hi, I’m Debbie Hertha.
My husband Jens and I have lived together in Steveston for 15 years and our two boys, aged 11 and 13, have grown up here.
Working for the City of Richmond for 12 years and owning our shop, D-Original Sausage Haus for 11 years, has firmly planted our feet here in the tight knit village of Steveston where we are surrounded by friends, colleagues, fellow businesses and faithful customers.
My husband and I are both from very small towns (in Ontario and Germany) so the small community feeling that Steveston has given us naturally appealed to me as a perfect place to start to share what Creative Aging has to offer. I am also a caregiver for my dad who also lives here in Steveston, so I felt I could relate to so many other adult children that are currently caring for and supporting older adults.
The vision of the Creative Aging Company
When I envisioned what I wanted Creative Aging Company to be, I pictured it as a warm, welcoming and supportive community that older adults and their loved ones could belong to throughout their aging journey. People would know each other by name and finding information would be easy and all in one place. The company would help to bring purpose and meaning back into people’s lives as they age.
Instead of focusing on what our older adults can no longer do, we would focus on the things they can still do, all while embracing their past careers, families, life experiences, and skills—while continuing to make social connections, having fun, learning new things and living life to the fullest.
What is Gerontology?
I feel like I need to keep sharing with people what Gerontology is, as I always get asked this on a regular basis. I received my undergrad in Gerontology in 1995 which seems like so long ago, yet it is still not a common term used to describe the study of aging and older adults.
Many people are more familiar with the term Geriatrics which is a medical speciality focused on the care and treatment of older adults but Gerontology is different.
Gerontology is a multidisciplinary, holistic view of the journey people experience as they grow older.
It is the study of the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, psychological and societal effects of the aging process on the human body with a focus on psychology, sociology, economics, public policy and marketing.
What does the aging journey look like?
The aging population is very diverse and spans over 50 years, and the aging journey looks different for everyone.
No two people will age the same. The way in which people age is influenced by a number of factors which makes each individual who they are. This ultimately has a major impact on what their aging journey looks like.
Factors that impact an individual’s aging journey
Our aging journey is influenced by our basic demographics such as education, income, age, marital status, culture, language and living arrangement. You also have to factor in normal age-related changes including hearing and vision loss and whether someone is living with physical or cognitive health conditions.
On top of all that, older adults have different life experiences and personal characteristics that may play a role in how they are experiencing their aging journey including a range of values, beliefs and opinions. Then add in the issue of family dynamics and the role of their adult children, spouse or other family members to add a whole new twist on things!
Stereotypes vs truths around aging
What I also try to explain to my clients is the difference between stereotypes and truths around aging. Not everyone ends up in a nursing home or with memory loss or with multiple health conditions. These are common misconceptions around aging that, unfortunately, lead to the stereotypes about the aging population.
Considerations around aging at home or moving
What’s my philosophy when it comes to the question of whether to stay home or not? It really depends on that particular client’s current situation and all the factors we spoke about that play a role in how one ages.
Many health professionals who work with older adults have the same goal as I do—to keep people in places where they can be happy, healthy and thriving, for as long as they want. For some this could mean staying in their homes. For others it may be a move to a place where only older adults reside with little support or an Independent living residence where they receive some meals, recreation and housekeeping.
Common concerns and questions about remaining in the same home
The most frequently asked question I get in my business is definitely about the issue of remaining in their own home or moving out. People are unaware of what they need to put in place, whether it is a service or equipment, to best support them if they choose to move or stay.
They are also concerned with what to do if suddenly they or their loved one starts to need more help. They are unsure of when to go on the waitlist for long term care and what steps they should be taking now to prepare and plan for their future.
There are many great resources for older adults and caregivers out there that can help them to remain in the place they wish to but the issue is knowing where to find those resources and how to access and utilize them.
How Creative Aging Company supports older adults and their families
I offer a free discovery call so clients can find out which Creative Aging services would benefit them the most. There are three types of Gerontology Sessions clients can choose from: One-on-One, Group Sessions, and Working Sessions.
One-on-One sessions allow clients to have dedicated time with a Gerontology professional to address any age-related issues, concerns and challenges, and work towards goals and solutions. Clients also have the freedom to choose who will attend these sessions. For example, I often meet with adult children or the spouse of the older adult who best fit their needs at that time.
Group Sessions equip those who support or care for an older adult with tools and guidance to better understand the aging process and navigate the system. They also learn about resources for older adults as they age, and prepare for aging issues and challenges as they arise.
In our Working Sessions option, our company blocks off time dedicated to completing age-related tasks or activities for clients unable to complete on their own or need support with. In this service option, the client does not need to be present.
Since the aging journey is not a fixed situation, each service we provide fits the needs of the client at that time. Since things can change, we may see them again, utilizing a different service in the next engagement.
Fun and accessible ways to bring conversation and education on aging to the community
Talking about aging and the potential scenarios it could bring is a difficult conversation for most people. That’s why I designed unique social events and activities for both older adults and their family members of all ages to enjoy while getting connected to others in their neighbourhood.
These age-friendly events are supportive and welcoming. Many times people will ask me about my services at one of these social events which, in my opinion, is a much more relaxed atmosphere to bring up difficult conversations.
Why people crave our Charcuterie & Wine Night event
One of the unique social events that Creative Aging offers is our Charcuterie & Wine Night event. We have been offering it through the Sausage Haus for a number of years but stopped with the onset of COVID-19. During those nights we have had a number of guests returning as a result of the sense of community it gives them.
After 4 years, we decided to bring it back—in partnership with Creative Aging and include added supports for our older guests who need it.
Unlike the traditional setting of a restaurant, charcuterie nights offer guests a warm and welcoming setting where they can get up and talk to people sitting at other tables, meet their neighbours, talk to the servers and learn and ask questions about the food and wine they are enjoying.
If needed, guests can get information about age-friendly transportation options to and from the event, request accessible seating for those with wheelchairs or walkers and ask for more support throughout the night for guests with any health issues.
Guests can also learn about Creative Aging services and other events and activities offered, and have opportunities to take home aging resources from local businesses and community organizations.
The value of community connection and personalized support
I truly believe that the more connected older adults are to their community the more they age healthy, happy and thriving. Community connection is not only to people—but can be to local businesses, work or volunteer colleagues, neighbours, health professionals and other service providers.
These connections bring you out of the house and are there when you feel lonely. They are there when you need advice and can support you when you encounter an age-related issue or challenge.
In this beautiful neighbourhood of Steveston, I find it purposeful and rewarding to apply my education in Gerontology and longtime experience in senior service to continue supporting older adults, their caregivers and family members.
Want to connect with Debbie?
If you or someone you know wants to start a conversation on aging related issues, head to the Creative Aging Company website for information:
Discovery calls are always available for those who would like to learn more about what Creative Aging Company has to offer.
Links:
Website: https://www.creativeaging.ca/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/CreativeAging/
Instagram @createageco: https://www.instagram.com/createageco/