Caregiving and the Holidays

It is always interesting this time of year in the "caregiving" business. We will usually get more phone calls after Thanksgiving and Christmas from the adult children who just visited their parents. They are often surprised by how their parents have changed since the last visit. They are often concerned for their parents safety. If you or someone you know is in this type of situation, it is a good idea to bring the matter up while you are together and face to face. Make sure your loved one knows that you want to work together to solve what issues you are concerned about. It also makes sense to ease into a solution rather than jump in with both feet. If you feel in home care may be needed but the senior is a little reluctant, propose 3-4 hours 3 times a week. They not only get comfortable with the help but actually look forward to it! Then if you feel the need to increase the care, it will be a lot easier.
Perhaps meals are an issue. Work together for a solution. Throw out several options and let your parent decide. Offer an in home personal chef, ready made meals delivered from a grocery store or meals on wheels, if they qualify. Always include your loved one as much as possible in finding an answer to a problem. Have them take "ownership". The last thing you want to do is for them to feel that you are taking away their independence.
We have found that the more you include your parents in the decision making, the easier the situation becomes! Always ask questions and work things through out loud. You may think you have the perfect solution but you may be unaware of a concern because you didn't ask a specific question. Ask, ask and ask again.
And of course, relax and enjoy the family time!

Met Life AiP2.0 Report

Please take a moment and read this fantastic report from Met Life and Louis Tenenbaum. It is quite the interesting report for ALL Baby Boomers!


http://www.metlife.com/mmi/research/aging-in-place.html#methodology




(You may need to copy and paste the above link)

Click "download report"