Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim & Mike Barnes.
Hi Kim & Mike, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As we’ve gotten older and our kids have graduated from high school and college, we find ourselves spending more and more time helping our parents. Moving Mike’s Mom and Dad into independent living near Dallas about five years ago and moving Kim’s Mom into a similar place in Houston almost three years ago. We often found ourselves sitting at our desks in the house with Kim on her phone with her Mom, explaining something about email, doctor’s appointments or getting scammed and Mike on his phone with his Dad sorting out a printer problem or wifi question. Mike had the idea that others are probably in similar situations as their parents get older and wanted to create a community to help. During the process of moving Mike’s Mom into Memory Care because of Alzheimer’s, we saw that so many people told us that they had been through situations like that or knew that helping their parents more, whether Dementia, other health issues, housing or financial, etc., was in their future. That’s when “Parenting Aging Parents” was born. A private Facebook Group and a website started in April of 2021. It gives people a place to look for ideas, information and support as they try to navigate these caregiving roads. It also gives them a place to vent and share their frustrations.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As former TV anchors, we’ve both interviewed thousands of people through the years, so interviewing experts for Parenting Aging Parents has been a great way to share information and resources with the community. Our biggest challenge is getting the word out. It’s been very much “word of mouth” and we’ve gotten great feedback with almost 2000 members. Mike has dreams of helping a million people so our biggest challenges are figuring out ways to reach more people faster and making it financially sustainable.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We created Parenting Aging Parents for those of us who are stepping in more to help our parents as they get older. Whether you’re providing hands-on caregiving or just helping to manage doctor’s appointments or finances, or anything in between, it can be challenging and confusing. It’s easy to feel like you’re the only one going through this. We want adult children (or other caregivers) to know they’re not alone.
We knew there were a lot of topics we needed more information about and figured others needed it, too. We use our experience as award-winning journalists to do interviews with experts. We’ve already tackled topics like transportation, Medicare, home care, POAs, hospice, even music therapy. There’s so much to know. We also share resources and have a supportive community in our free private Facebook group.
We realized that there are a lot of services and providers to help in this stage of life, but as the adult child we don’t even know what’s available, what they’re called or how to find them. We want to be the bridge to help make the connection.
Mike’s family was very proactive with financial and legal issues already taken care of, but they quickly realized that there were so many other issues that came up moving his mom into memory care. We want to help people be prepared before there’s an emergency situation.
The private Facebook group is a safe place for people to ask questions, even vent. We can get tips and learn so much from other people’s experiences. We’ve also had virtual support groups for people with similar situations.
We’re proud of the supportive community we’re building and the responses we get. Comments like, “Thank you for creating this group. In just a few short minutes, not only do I not feel so alone, but I also have ideas to act upon for solutions.” or “This group has been a lifesaver”.
We have big dreams to be able to help a million people navigating this stage of life.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@parentingagingparents.com
- Website: https://parentingagingparents.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parentingagingparents
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMvOBPk9VRiHiGDLpvocHJQ
Bleakney Ray
December 8, 2021 at 11:44 pm
Kim, I remember your sweet mama, she has that same smile. What you and Mike are doing is groundbreaking; this is the time when our parents are having these various issues. So familiar to read about, but all too real when it’s your family in need of immediate help.
Happy Holidays to you, Mike and both of your families.
Kim Barnes
January 4, 2022 at 10:10 pm
Thanks for your sweet comment, Bleakney! It is so hard when the ones we’ve always looked to for advice and help are the ones who need it. We want others about our age to know they’re not alone and get the support they need. Would love to have you in the community. Happy New Year!