If you’re like most, watching our parents age, triggers a host of emotions. A once independent parent suddenly needs assistance with routine tasks or is unable to remember simple things. If you don’t see them on a regular basis, the change may seem more noticeable.  Or maybe they had a fall, and are now unable to live at home alone. Whatever the circumstances, it is important to know how and when to step in to aid in their overall wellbeing. And if you have active, intelligent and determined parents like ours, it may never seem like the right time! There is an art to working with seniors and assisting them in realizing that the way they think or move now is putting their quality of life at risk. And 9 times out of 10, this very critical discussion is better received coming from someone outside of the family/friend structure.

Seniors who want to remain living at home may be reluctant to ask for help from unfamiliar faces when the time comes. As a concerned friend or family member who is new to these challenges, you may want to consider the advice of a geriatric care manager.  We can serve as an advocate to ensure your loved ones are in capable hands. For families with various commitments and responsibilities, we can help in taking the pressure off.

There are many options out there, so planning ahead can help reduce the stress when the time for change arrives. Having the conversation to ask what a parent’s wishes are can be informative and reassuring.  Questions like whether they have an advanced directive or who they want as their power of attorney to name a few. The how, when and where this discussion takes place may not come naturally to you. Not easy…but with our vast experience in senior care and its options, we can assist in guiding those important topics, provide education and options about services available and hopefully reduce your own stress as you plan ahead. 

Throughout this time, do not forget to take care of yourself! Know your limitations, delegate tasks, accept help where it is offered, and be sure to take care of your own needs.

Bringing balance to family,

Vickie and Marianne