Listen To My Latest Podcast Episode:
Tips for Better Communication in Dementia Care: 3 Caregiving Traps to Avoid with Dr. Natali Edmonds
Listen To My Latest Podcast Episode: Tips for Better Communication in Dementia Care: 3 Caregiving Traps to Avoid with Dr. Natali Edmonds
It’s tough to know how to talk with older parents about difficult topics. Are you gonna say the wrong thing and push your elderly parent away?
In this episode (#005) of THE CARING FOR AGING PARENTS SHOW, I share 7 tips for talking with older parents about their needs and wishes related to caregiving and difficult topics.
Emotions tend to run high around difficult topics like driving, independent living, health decisions, and managing money. Taking the time to prepare for these conversations will set you up for success.
So watch the video now!
Here's an overview of the 7 tips I share for talking with your aging parents about their needs and wishes with caregiving and difficult topics!
Tip 1: Call for a Parent/Family Meeting
Ask to meet with your parents to talk about their wishes in older adulthood. By calling for a family (or one:one) meeting you and your...
Many people wait until there's a crisis before having a conversation with their parents about their future. You know, planning for needs and changes in older adulthood.
And this makes sense! Conversations about what life might look like down the road can be painful for both older adults and the people who love them. It's difficult to face the possibility of sickness, frailty, and loss of independence. And, as a result, we ALL tend to avoid these conversations.
Well, avoid no longer!
In this fourth episode of The Caring for Aging Parents Show, I share tips on starting this conversation!
And BONUS! I share 6 conversation starters!
Watch it now!
Here's an overview of the tips for talking with your aging parents about their future:
1. Don't wait until there is a crisis! Starting these conversations long before your parent has a medical, mental health, or financial crisis is the best approach. Your parents are going to have A LOT of transitions in their lives and some of...
It's normal for an older adult to forget where they put their keys, look all over for their glasses, then realize that they're wearing them, or have trouble remembering someone's name. But, there are times when memory loss can be really scary and concerning.
If you're noticing changes in your parent's memory, or changes in cognitive function (this is a fancy term for the way the brain thinks, remembers, processes information, etc), it is really important that you keep track of specific examples that you notice.
For example, My mom got lost the other day driving home from a store that she's been going to for years. Or, My dad’s been leaving the stove on and burning food. Or, my mom has been rummaging through drawers and can never find what she’s looking for. Or,...
What? No hands? You've heard of a Millennial, you've heard of a Baby Boomer, but you probably haven't heard of the Sandwich Generation.
So here we go...
If you have a parent 65 or older and are raising a child under 18, or, supporting a grown child (here's my shoulder, feel free to cry), you, my friend, are in the Sandwich Generation. And, you're not alone. Nearly half of adults in their 40s and 50s are right along side of you, not to mention millions of people under 40 and over 60.
Now, raise your hand if you are a part of the Sandwich Generation. Hand still down? Not to worry, there's probably a sandwich just for you. Hungry for a Club?
(Tired of reading? Watch the Video!)
As you can imagine, The Club Sandwich Generation is super layered, with 50 or 60 year olds wedged between aging parents, their adult children,...
Older adults have mental health needs just like everyone else. But here’s the thing: Older adults are often left out of the conversation when it comes to mental health and wellness. Together we can change this.
I created the Psychology of Aging Podcast to have conversations about mental health and wellness that include older adults. We talk about common mental health concerns as we age, resources to help older adults live their best lives, and we have fun doing it.
Stay mentally and physically well during the Coronavirus Pandemic with my wellness guide for older adults.
Learn all about dementia in this FREE Dementia 101 Guide!
Worried about your aging loved one's driving? Know the warning signs!
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