Recently, I received a copy of "You and Your Aging Parents" by The American Bar Association 2009 (Random House).
I'm happy to say this is an excellent source of information for anyone, especially seniors and their caregivers. Even after six years of caring for my mother and another two with my father in a nursing home and on Medicaid, this book was still a revelation. Some of the subjects I had already covered in this blog but I still learned a lot.
The book is a "Guide to Legal, Financial & Health Care Issues"
One of my favorite chapters is "Making the Transition" which offers guidelines on talking to your parents and the when and how you should work your way into being a caregiver.
Other chapters include planning ahead to make sure you know your parents' wishes, money matters, paying for health care, in-home assistance and housing options, protecting your parent from elder abuse, and mental health issues.
The chapter on Transportation gives examples and suggestions on talking with your parent when you feel it is no longer safe for them to be driving. (I plan to cover this topic as well in the next week.)
And maybe most important of all, is "Taking Time for Yourself." This chapter talks about both emotional and physical tolls from carrying for others and when it is all too much, for both of you, the process of civil commitment.
If you are not in good shape, both mentally and Physically, you won't be able to care for others. See my page "Caregivers - Pamper Yourself."
I'm giving this book, "You and Your Aging Parents" a big thumbs up. It's a great resource at any time, but especially useful before it's needed. Pre-planning can save heartache for both you and the ones you love.
Until next time, take care..... Kathy
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