Here are some suggestions that you might consider as new New Years resolutions- even as we approach February. You may have already vowed this and not followed through because it is uncomfortable or scary or too much to take on— but this is one that will help avoid disaster.
It’s not “go on a diet,” but what you should do after the holiday with your parents when you spotted red flags that made you concerned about your aging mom or dad. Here is a list of resolutions you might make for your next visit to your parents after the holiday gave you a reason to worry about an aging family member:
Accompany the elderly person to the doctor, and talk to the doctor in person.
- Gather legal financial and insurance paperwork, scan all, put originals in a safety deposit box and leave easily found copies for your parents
- Have all bills except magazines forwarded to yourself or another relative who will manage them
- Contact and meet with old and present friends and form a network of support
- Investigate quality of life local programs like a senior center, bridge group anything that would bring your parent joy and engagement
- If your older family members are in a facility, make contact with staff that cares them, and the ombudsman.
Meet with your elderly relative’s present support network - Look into Lyft or Uber’s senior driving program if seniors should or no longer wish to drive
- Arrange a family meeting to see how adult children and friends can share tasks using Lots of Helping Hands
- Look into Forgiveness techniques with siblings if you have old wounds that may stop you from sharing care with adult brothers and sisters
- Meet with an aging life or geriatric care manager in the area who can do all these tasks for you
During the coming holidays like Christmas and Hanukah step-grandparents are faced with their status as outliers.
