Caring for Aging Parents: Why & How to Start Planning for Caregiving Now Caregivers
I lost my dad when I was 35 years old, and my mom when I was 55, under very different circumstances. With my dad, it was sudden, so we had no plan. With my mom, we had a good plan in place long before she was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer and given 18 months to live. Being ready with a good plan definitely helped us make the most of her final months and days, and helped ease my role as her full-time caregiver.
There’s no doubt that planning now can help smooth the way for your loved ones to age. It may be your parents, your grandparents, or a favorite aunt or uncle. Having a heart to heart conversation about their wishes is a good first step. When planning your first conversation, keep the following things in mind:
- Making a plan is a process; it will require a series of discussions, depending upon the resistance levels you may encounter.
- That’s why it’s important to start sooner rather than later!
- Don’t forget to factor in your own needs for self-care while you are planning how you will take care of others.
Read more about self-care while caregiving.
The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.
Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community, and follow us on Facebook to get inspiration in your newsfeed daily. Inspire and be inspired.