Sometimes people who are caring for both of their elderly parents feel so overwhelmed by the increased responsibility that they retreat from their own support network. What they need to do instead is to reach out for help. The first step is to schedule a time to sit down with family members to discuss the situation, ideally when Mom and Dad are still able to participate. Communication is crucial to understanding what they need and want, and how each family member can contribute. A family meeting also can be used to identify neighbors, church members and professional services that can be called for support.
Our FamilyCare website is a good place to start investigating community resources and the ways in which we can assist. Sharing the responsibilities will allow you to maintain the parent/child relationship you have with Mom and Dad so that your last memories will not be of the weight of caregiving, but rather of lovely moments spent together.
Posted in Elderly Parents and tagged caregiver support, caring for two parents, communication with seniors, elderly care, Family Care, Family Care Senior Solutions, FamilyCare, In Home Care, senior care.