It is quite a challenge! I know because I have been there. In fact I am there now. :-) An adult child can feel pulled in many different directions as they try to please their boss,their own family and their aging parent.
If you want to keep your job AND your sanity there are a few things you must do.
- Learn to set boundaries Accept that you cannot be everything to everybody. It is Ok to want to have a life. You need to tell people what you want and need to happen and that may include your aging parent. Having these conversations are never comfortable but are necessary to move forward. Get help from a Life Coach if you need.
- Educate yourself Take some classes, read or work with a professional to learn everything you can about elder care before a crisis happens. If you think medicare is going to jump in and take care of your mom or dad think again. Their are limitations and the system is changing as we speak. You do not have to be an expert in elder care you just have to have an expert or two in your back pocket.
- Give up control You cannot change the fact that your parent may no longer be able to drive or to care for themselves. With 24 hours in a day you can only do so much. Get help. Let other family members pitch in or hire an outside source to help. Be able to accept when it is time to make a move. Taking care of your loved one means making the best decisions for their care.
- Find a Solution Work with an Eldercare Advisor to look at all solutions that could work for your family. There are more solutions than you may realize. There is a lot to consider so make sure you have the help you need. Working with someone outside your family circle will give you that straightforward unbiased opinion you need to find the right care solution.
- Move Forward with the Solution Don't drag your feet. The sooner you put a plan in place the better it will be for everyone. :-)
by, Kathryn Watson- Eldercare Advisor and Life Coach
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