Article Read. You Can Find All Kind of Articles

Home | Search Article

Search

-- All Categories --Auto and TrucksEducationFamilyFood and DrinkGadgets and GizmosHealthHobbiesHome ImprovementKids and TeensLegal MattersParentingPets and AnimalsRecreation and SportsSite PromotionTravel and LeisureWeb DevelopmentWomenWriting
Advanced Search

• Auto and Trucks
• Education
• Family
• Food and Drink
• Gadgets and Gizmos
• Health
• Hobbies
• Home Improvement
• Kids and Teens
• Legal Matters
• Parenting
• Pets and Animals
• Recreation and Sports
• Site Promotion
• Travel and Leisure
• Web Development
• Women
• Writing

---

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Ask yourself some questionsWORD COUNT 477Annie 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 its good that primary caregivers dont know what to expect or they would not enter into the situation. That is only true if they arent honest with themselves and with others, dont 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: -What level of care am I able or willing to provide? -At what point will I need to involve a professional, like a care manager or lawyer? -How has my family resolved issues in the past involving difficult and complex concerns? -Are my loved ones very private people and how can I best be respectful? -What is my relationship with other care providers and how are our roles similar or different? -Do I have the feeling my loved ones are making the right decisions about their future? Do other caregivers agree with me? 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 youre 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 youre 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.Linda LaPointe, MRA is an ElderLife Matters Coach and is author of several publications which help families, such as In My Shoes: An Aging Family, an experiential game. See them and free articles and resources at www.SOSpueblo.com

About the Author

Linda LaPointe, MRA is an ElderLife Matters Coach and is author of several publications which help families, such as In My Shoes: An Aging Family, an experiential game. See them and free articles and resources at www.SOSpueblo.