ACAP Oklahoma City

08/21/2026

It’s so exciting to see **ACAP Oklahoma City and VillagesOKC** being shared with others in our community!

At the **29th graduating class of OAALA**, Shannon Stiger had the opportunity to introduce the group to ACAP Oklahoma City and our mission of providing education, resources, and support for adult children caring for aging parents.

Thank you to **Terry Billen** for also sharing about VillagesOKC and the important work they are doing for older adults in our community.

Two organizations with a shared goal: **educating, connecting, and creating awareness so seniors, caregivers, and adult children know they don’t have to navigate aging alone.**

We love seeing these conversations happening and more people learning about the resources available right here in Oklahoma City! ❤️

08/20/2026

What a wonderful way to learn with great speakers, amazing content and even better.....FOOD!!! Thank you Concordia Life Plan Community for presenting such smart educational content for all.

08/20/2026

💙 The hardest part of caregiving isn't always the caregiving. Sometimes it's the emotions that come with it.

If you're helping an aging parent, you may have felt some of these emotions...

• Feeling guilty because you don't think you're doing enough.
• Feeling overwhelmed by all the decisions.
• Feeling exhausted from trying to balance work, family, and caregiving.
• Feeling heartbroken as you watch someone you love change.
• Feeling alone because it seems like no one else truly understands.

If you've experienced any of those feelings, you're not alone.

Caregiving is one of the most loving things a person can do—but that doesn't mean it's easy. It's okay to admit that some days are hard. It's okay to ask questions. It's okay to seek support.

At ACAP Oklahoma City, we believe caregivers deserve more than just information—they deserve encouragement, practical resources, and a community that understands the journey.

That's why we exist.

This opinion piece from The New York Times resonated with us because it gives voice to many of the emotions family caregivers experience every day. Whether or not you can read the full article, we hope you'll remember this:

You don't have to have all the answers. You just have to know you don't have to walk this journey alone.

📖 Article:https://www.nytimes.com/video/opinion/100000010551165/family-caregiver-aging-parents.html?smid=url-share

💙 Join us on Thursday, September 3, as we launch ACAP Oklahoma City with a free educational seminar designed to connect caregivers with trusted local experts and practical resources. Because no one should have to navigate caregiving alone.

Behind closed doors, millions of Americans are stepping into one of the hardest roles they’ll ever take on: caring for their aging parents.

08/18/2026

💜 "What if Mom or Dad refuses help?"

If you've ever had this conversation...

"I'm fine."

"I don't need any help."

"I've been doing this for years."
..you're not alone.

Many older adults value their independence, and those conversations can be some of the most difficult adult children ever have.

The good news? Helping a parent doesn't have to begin with taking over. Sometimes it starts with understanding what resources are available, learning how to approach the conversation, and knowing you're not in this alone.

Join us for ACAP Oklahoma City's FREE educational seminar as local experts share practical resources and guidance to help families navigate the aging journey with confidence.

📅 Thursday, September 3
🕛 12:00–1:00 PM
📍 Francis Tuttle Technology Center – Portland Campus
🎟️ FREE to attend

Whether you're caring for a parent today or simply planning ahead, you'll leave with practical tools, trusted local resources, and a clearer understanding of where to begin.

We'd love to have you join us!

08/14/2026

💙 I wish someone had told me this sooner.

The first sign an aging parent needs more help isn't always a fall or a medical emergency.

Sometimes, it's the little things.

🥫 Expired food in the refrigerator.
📬 Unopened mail on the table.
👕 The same clothes every time you visit.
🧹 Realizing you're spending more time doing chores than actually sitting down to talk.

It's easy to tell ourselves, "They're just getting older."

But looking back, those small changes are often the first signs that additional support may be needed.

If you're caring for an aging parent, don't wait for a crisis to start paying attention. The little things matter.

What was the first change you noticed that made you realize your mom or dad needed a little more help?

Your experience may help another caregiver recognize the signs sooner.

08/13/2026

What wonderful training and education Concordia Life Plan Community provides for their residents and community. We all know that food is the best attention getter and this event looks like they had some great food!

08/12/2026

💙 Helping a parent understand Medicare? You don't have to figure it out alone.

One of the questions many adult children ask is:

"How can I better understand my parent's Medicare benefits?"

The good news is that there are trusted, unbiased resources available to help.

Here are a few places to start:

✅ Review your parent's current Medicare coverage at Medicare.gov so you understand what they have today.

✅ Compare coverage options by learning the differences between Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and a Medicare Advantage plan. Each option has benefits and trade-offs depending on a person's individual needs.

✅ Check prescription drug coverage. Even if two plans look similar, medication costs and covered prescriptions can vary significantly from plan to plan.

✅ Talk with a SHIP counselor. Oklahoma's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free, unbiased, one-on-one counseling to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers. Their counselors are trained to help you understand Medicare options without trying to sell you a plan.

At ACAP Oklahoma City, we know that navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming. That's why we're committed to sharing trusted resources that help caregivers make informed decisions with confidence.

📍 You can learn more about Oklahoma's Medicare Assistance Program and SHIP here: https://www.oid.ok.gov/consumers/information-for-seniors/

Oklahoma Insurance Department – Information for Seniors

Have you ever helped a parent compare Medicare plans? What advice would you share with another caregiver? We'd love to hear your experience in the comments.

This resource was inspired by information shared through The Sandwich Club and references resources available through the Oklahoma Insurance Department's Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) and State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

The official U.S. government website for Medicare, a health insurance program for people age 65 or older and younger people with disabilities.

08/11/2026

🤔 "How do I know when Mom needs more help?"

It's one of the most common questions adult children ask.

Maybe you've noticed:
• She's forgetting appointments.
• The house isn't as tidy as it once was.
• Dad has stopped driving after dark.
• They're eating more frozen dinners than home-cooked meals.
• You're checking in more often because something just doesn't feel right.

The truth is, there isn't one moment that tells you it's time.

Instead, it's usually a series of small changes that slowly add up.

The good news? You don't have to figure it out alone.

Join us for ACAP Oklahoma City's first FREE educational seminar, where local aging professionals will discuss community resources, support services, and practical next steps to help you confidently navigate this journey.

📅 Thursday, September 3
🕛 12:00–1:00 PM
📍 Francis Tuttle Technology Center – Portland Campus
🎟️ FREE to attend

Sometimes the hardest part isn't finding help...
It's knowing where to begin.

We'd love to see you there.

ACAP Oklahoma City is a free community education program designed specifically for adult children caring for aging parents and family caregivers.

08/07/2026

🎙️ A fun behind-the-scenes moment!

Yesterday I had the honor of being a guest on the ACAP (Adult Children of Aging Parents) podcast with Karen Summey, where we talked about one of my favorite topics—the emotional side of downsizing and helping older adults navigate housing transitions.

As a Certified Senior Housing Professional (CSHP) and Certified Downsizing Coach, I had the opportunity to share practical tips for families who are helping aging parents make difficult housing decisions. We discussed:
🏡 Why downsizing is about more than just a house.
❤️ The emotions behind letting go.
👨‍👩‍👧 How adult children can support—not overwhelm—their parents.
✨ Small steps that can make the process feel less overwhelming.

A huge thank you to Karen and the entire ACAP team for the invitation. It was a wonderful conversation, and I'm excited for everyone to hear it!

🎧 While you're waiting for the new episode, you can listen to previous ACAP podcast episodes here:
🔗 https://acapcommunity.org/resources/podcasts

I'll be sure to share our episode as soon as it's published!

Helping families make informed housing decisions during life's transitions isn't just what I do—it's why I do what I do. ❤️