Provider Spotlight: Shannon Carskadon

We want to continue to highlight the work of our amazing adult foster care home providers in Oregon. 

Matt Gannon spent some time talking with provider Shannon Carskadon with Silver Cloud Family Homes in Forest Grove. Please read below to learn more about Shannon.

How long have you worked in the adult care home business?

Silver Cloud has been family owned since 1989. My husband Ron's mother started the care home in Forest Grove in the late '80s. In fact, Silver Cloud 1 was the longest-running adult family home in the state of Oregon until Ron's mother, Margarita Carskadon, retired around 2016.

Ron was opening his own location in 1994 when we met and started dating. I had attended Pacific University and Portland Community College with the intent of becoming a math teacher.

In 1996 we bought a home together and planned to move the adult foster home business there. Before we were even moved in, Ron was in an auto accident during the floods of '96, and I was forced into the role of caregiver, as I was part owner of the home. 

​I quickly realized the older adult population was hugely overlooked by the healthcare system. This impacted me in a major way. I understood how these folks needed a voice in the system. They needed someone to advocate on their behalf, and this is what I began doing and have provided to my residents ever since. I never became the math teacher, and instead, I have been in service to our wonderful residents and we now own two homes in Forest Grove.

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​What do you love most about the work you do?

I didn't have any grandparents growing up. I do feel it has helped my perspective being a provider, as I feel I can relate to residents more as my friends. This has given me a unique appreciation for spending quality time with the elderly in a way I don't think is common, because I don't have any pre-conceived notions about "taking care of grandparents." I am able to meet the residents where they are in their lives and accept and enjoy them at this stage in their lives, and without expectation of what that relationship should look like. 

​I now feel I have friends who are of grandparent age and not having grandparents as a kid, it gives me a unique appreciation for spending quality time with them in a way I never knew. I love to hear their stories, and I cherish the relationships we've built together. I am honored to be part of their story as a provider. I believe the residents truly get to feel they're surrounded by friends in our homes.

I love to hear their stories, and I cherish the relationships we've built together. I am honored to be part of their story as a provider. ​

What do you believe makes someone’s work successful?

Loving the elderly is only 10% of the job. The large majority is assuming the responsibility of the work demands and taking that responsibility seriously, at all times. 

For example, being committed to your word, being a strong communicator, and being diligent with all administrative tasks, from charting to medication administration, and so much more. This is necessary because the margin of error is too small and the risk is too great to ever overlook. People have to have impeccable commitment to all of these things, day-in and day-out.

Loving the elderly is only 10% of the job. The large majority is assuming the responsibility of the work demands and taking that responsibility seriously, at all times.

Anything else you’d like us to know about you?

I went through the Montessori education with my son. My philosophy of care very much lines up with the Montessori Method. This method of education has an emphasis on individuality and following your personal interests. Collaboration with different age groups and levels of ability to complete tasks is highly encouraged. Activities are geared toward the five senses and the abilities of the participant at that specific time. The process is emphasized, rather than the outcome.

Focusing on these concepts creates an environment where individuals find peace and gratification from their contributions. I feel anyone who is interested in caring for others, and especially caring for people living with dementia, should read, "The Secret of Childhood" by Marie Montessori. I believe the title could be changed to, "The Secret of Human Beings."  

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Author

Matt Gannon is a consultant & provider services coordinator with Oregon Care Home Consulting & Training.
Email Matt