Annie easily slipped into becoming the sole caregiver of her parents. What started out as monthly grocery shopping for them, over the course of 2 years became a full time duty, an overwhelming burden and just about broke her emotionally and financially.
They say that it's good that primary caregivers don't know what to expect or they would not enter into the situation. That is only true if they aren't honest with themselves and with others, don't research the many options and review the abundant material now available to families. Not everyone can take on the responsibility for any number of reasons. So potential caregivers of aging parents should ask themselves the following questions as the need for care and assistance begins to grow:
Gather the important people who participate in caring for the aging adult, then agree upon the specific roles that each person will play. Be honest about what you're able to give -- for example, will you give more time or money?
Get the emotional support you received from your parents in the past in other ways.
Talk with friends who are in similar situations. Join a caregiver support group.
If you're sharing the caregiving tasks with siblings, keep the lines of communication open.
Send each other progress reports.
Finally, find ways to have more fun with an aging or disabled adult for whom you feel responsible or love. Try to spend YOUR time doing things that will be most appreciated. Hire out house maintenance tasks, like lawn care and snow removal. Use a companion service for light housekeeping, meal preparation, grocery shopping and errands. Spend your time doing things WITH rather than FOR the older adult. Professional organizations can help with the mundane tasks so you can spend more quality time looking through photo albums, writing letters to out of town family, taking the grandkids to the park, or sharing a cup of tea.
Begin your journey of caregiving by defining preferences, plans and roles prior to being confronted and swept up by crises.
About The Author
Linda LaPointe, MRA is an ElderLife Matters coach and author of several products to assist families experiencing aging including the pamphlet, Don't Be a Burden: 100 Tips. Get free articles and information at www.sospueblo.com.
Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareChild Safety Restraints and children in work vehiclesIf you take... Read More
The great thing about children is they absorb knowledge like... Read More
It's the third time this week that Sam has complained... Read More
One of the most prevalent myths of our modern culture... Read More
Whether we realize it or not we teach our children... Read More
Children bombard parents with many challenging behaviours. We are delighted... Read More
Are men to blame for the divorce problem in this... Read More
There are several treatment options available to help improve the... Read More
Every week I write something about the stock market -... Read More
Here we will come to know who are the most... Read More
There are many things to like about the television show... Read More
Certainly we all want our children to excel. But it... Read More
Vacations and trips are great family events, but how do... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
In school, kids are encouraged to create, draw, color, paint... Read More
Thank you to all of our professional educators who dedicate... Read More
What do you do when your child begins talking to... Read More
An apology is a sign of strength, not weakness. Sometimes... Read More
Do your children have a McChildhood? Do they experience the... Read More
What is the mystery of motherhood? I know that when... Read More
Here's some of the bad news about sedentary lifestyles:? Forty... Read More
It's that time of year when mom and dad look... Read More
"All that I am or ever hope to be, I... Read More
There are many useful jogger stroller accessories out on the... Read More
For over fifty years, public-school officials and politicians have tried... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..Age 1: Invite only family members and close friends only... Read More
Mary, Mary, quite contrary, How does your garden grow? With... Read More
What is Happening in the brain of children, teens, and... Read More
Let's face it: raising children can be quite the adventure.... Read More
After giving up my profession to become a wife, a... Read More
As the father of a toddler, I am an expert... Read More
Is there a fathering instinct?Celebrated child development expert Erik Erikson... Read More
The biggest complaint you hear from parents about their children... Read More
My kids just can't get enough of playing games with... Read More
John Bishop's Goal Setting for Students.comLegacy to Your ChildrenIt's 6:30... Read More
A parent writes in, ``We are having a hard time... Read More
Many times, we are so conditioned in how we speak... Read More
Does the homework battle so typical with your hyperactive or... Read More
"Home Schooling ? Look Before You Leap"Are you considering home... Read More
Congratulations on your new baby! You have just brought your... Read More
Until the moment I became a mother, I couldn't quite... Read More
Isn't it ironic that a country whose constitution allows for... Read More
The initial state of happiness about an own child is... Read More
Creating and making special memories with your child is very... Read More
Home-schooling removes children from public school. That alone makes home-schooling... Read More
When my son was 18 (and had finished school), he... Read More
When it comes to exams, or indeed any academic work,... Read More
"Before every action, ask yourself: Will this bring more monkeys... Read More
Drivers 16 years of age have little driving experience, putting... Read More
There are two methods for teaching children to read; whole... Read More
Parenting |