Did You See This?
Seven topics you may have missed.
It’s September.
If you live for summer, I hope you had a good one.
And if heat and humidity isn’t your thing, let me be the first to say, “Congratulations. You made it!” Cider doughnut season is just around the corner.
But first, we’re opening up the archives for another look at topics and tips that you may have missed.
Take a few minutes to check out the summaries below. If not for yourself, then for a friend who also has aging parents.
Want to know more about a particular topic in a future issue? Reply to this email and let me know what’s on your mind. I love hearing from readers and always respond personally.
Thanks for caring,
How Do I Get My Life Back?
One step you can take today.
“How do I get my life back?” That’s the challenge everyone who cares for an older parent faces sooner or later. So I asked someone who finds practical answers to big questions about helping aging parents — author and care coach Diane Dagefoerde. Here, in Diane’s own words, is what you need to know.
Taking Stock
Five questions to ask yourself now.
When your parent needed help, you stepped up. Whether or not you were ready. Or your siblings were willing and able to help. But it’s easy for weeks to fade into months — even years — without taking stock of how caring for your parent has affected your life. Which is why every family caregiver should ask themselves these five questions…
The Driving Decision
How to help your parent plan for the road ahead.
No one wants to stop driving because someone else thinks they should. Losing control is painful. So is a well-intentioned “we need to talk” moment that escalates into a confrontation. Here’s a better way: a strategy that makes it easier to talk about keeping your parent safe behind the wheel — and helps them transition to other transportation options when it’s time.
The Only Way Out Is Through
Three Things with Linda Wattier
“What three things have you learned about helping older parents that you wish you had known earlier?” That’s what I asked wellbeing coach Linda Wattier, who has written about her caregiving challenges in How She Thrives, a free email newsletter for women over 50. Here’s what she wants you to know.
Flirting With Disaster
Are your parents ready for the next crisis?
Killer heat waves. Wildfire smoke from coast to coast. Tropical storms on steroids. Earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods. Oh my! It’s hard to shake the feeling that the next disaster is around the corner. Are your parents ready? If you want more peace of mind, remember these often-overlooked planning essentials.
Should Mom Move In With You?
Three realities to consider before saying yes.
Asking mom or dad to move in is something most of us don’t think about until we have to. Sometimes the catalyst is a health or financial crisis. Sometimes it seems like the best option. Or your only option. Almost always, it feels like the right thing to do — even when you have doubts. What are well-meaning, middle-aged kids like us missing?
Brother Can You Spare Some Time?
How to ask your siblings for help.
In the beginning, helping mom wasn’t so bad. But now mom’s needs are growing faster than your ability to meet them. And stay employed. And care for yourself and your own family. The good news is you have siblings you can ask for help. The bad news: you have to ask your siblings for help. Here’s how to do it.
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