Episode 28: The Aging Parent Video
Are you shifting from being a care taker for your kids to being a care taker for your aging parent or elderly loved one?
Many transitions and changes happen in midlife. Perhaps one of the hardest is shifting from being a care taker of young children to becoming a care taker for an aging family member. In this episode of Life after Kids with Drs. Brooke and Lynne, we're discussing what it looks and feels like to care for an aging family member and we're giving practical tips that can make this difficult time a little easier.
Being a care giver in any phase of life is difficult. You're often tired and exhausted from pouring into the person you are taking care of. Caring for small children is rewarding because we witness them grow, thrive, learn, and become. On the the other hand, caring for an elderly loved one can feel far less rewarding. You're giving your time and you're giving yourself, but you're not watching them grow and thrive, you're watching them decline. This is the season of winter. It can be beautiful, but it can also be extremely difficult. Here are a few things that may help you care for your aging loved one.
When your loved one is grouchy, put yourself in their shoes for a moment. Take a step back, catch your breath, and try to be a bit more sympathetic.
Remember to treat others the way you want to be treated. Ask yourself how you would want to be cared for if you were in their situation
Be there for your loved one. Listen. Be the ear. Be the shoulder. Let them vent, but don't hold on to it. Let it go in one ear and out the other. Remember at this stage it's all about them, not you.
Do the hard things. Be present in the hard moments. Celebrate the good moments and glimpses you get of the person you know and love.
Have the conversation. Do the thing they need or want even if it seems meaningless or pointless to you. If it makes them feel even a little bit better. It's worth it.
Remember to take care of yourself first so you have the energy to take care of your loved one.
You've likely hear it said "it take's a village" when it comes to raising kids. Well, "it take's a village" to care for aging loved ones too. So, make sure you have a support system around you to help lighten your load when necessary. And, don't forget to step up and be there for a friend if they are care taking of an elderly person. Hear more and learn about Dr. Brooke's personal experience caring for an elderly loved one in this episode of Life after Kids with Drs. Brooke and Lynne. Click the picture above to get started now.
When You Are A Care Giver, You Know That Everyday You Will Touch A Life Or A Life Will Touch Yours.
