| Greetings All, thank you for visiting my blog, “Words that Matter”. I am excited to launch my blog page and I’m glad that you are here. If you want to get to know me, check out my “About Me” page. There you will learn why I started blogging and what I would like to share through my blog. As this is the launch of my blog and in honor of Mother’s Day, my first post will be about taking care of elderly parents. For me, I’m speaking of my mother. So read my first post below and don’t forget to like and comment. I appreciate any feedback that helps me improve my sight and the level of useful information for my subscribers. Since, I’m just starting, I’m sure I will be able to keep up with responses at this time. I hope the information this week is helpful. I will be adding a podcast this week on the topic of caring for parents. As you will note on my blog, I will organize my blogs into one of five categories. This post will be archived later under the purpose category because sometimes caring for parents becomes part of our purpose for a season.
Have you arrived at the transition in life where you are caring for a child you didn’t count on? No, not a child that you bore or adopted, but one that bore you. I’m talking about the season of life where maybe you’re in the prime of your career, advanced education, or you are preparing for retirement and find yourself having to care for and make some tough decisions concerning the welfare of your now elderly parent(s). The ones that cared for you. This is a time of tough decisions. Perhaps you gave up a lucrative career. Maybe you’ve made a great sacrifice in your just-me-and-him family unit. Oftentimes, we put our lives on hold to care for an elderly parent. It is no small sacrifice. You become the nurse, the secretary, the nutritionist, the maid. the accountant, and the one-on-one companion.
During this transition in life, it is imperative to have a friend, caregiver agency, or relative on hand to give you relief. Don’t try to be ‘Superwoman’. It is wise to seek and allow family members to assist during these times, particularly those that are willing to help. We worry if we are asking too much of our spouses, friends, and children in putting everything and everyone else aside to care for the person that cared for us and seemingly needs us the most.
Personal experience has taught me that providing a safe environment where your loved one can receive the care and attention they need is better in some cases. Depending on the mental age, level of self-help skills, and the level of supervision needed. Trying to take on all of these responsibilities over an extended period of time will definitely have its consequences for the caregiver and the family unit. Here are some tips if you find yourself in this transition of life:
1. Don’t try to be ‘Superwoman’
2. Guard against becoming the parent
3. Have a scheduled time for separations.
4. Plan regularly scheduled outings for spouse and children without your elder parent
5. Ask for and accept offers of help from close friends and family members
6. Guard against bitterness AND guilt
7. When the time comes, prepare yourself for the inevitable fact that your parent may need more supervision and care than you are humanly possible of giving given circumstances like your own health, employment, prolonged deprivation of rest.
8. You must take care of you. After all, what will happen to mom/dad if you are sick or unable to care for them
9. Hug your parent(s) as often as you can
10. Pray for patience and strength!
Let me know if you found these tips or post helpful. Please don’t forget to leave a comment. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog. |
Words that Matter 