Author: Lauren Wandler
Life is demanding. More so when you are caring for others.
The responsibilities of caring for someone who is older or has special needs or disabilities can be demanding on your physical, mental, financial, emotional, and social health.
Just as flight attendants advise at the beginning of every flight to “put your own oxygen mask on first before helping others,” the same advice applies to family caregivers. Putting your own oxygen mask on first is a metaphor for self-care.
We all need a break from the demands of daily life. This is especially true for family care partners. Respite is an important yet often overlooked aspect of every family care partner’s self-care. …
What is a long-distance caregiver? According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), a long-distance caregiver is anyone, anywhere, no matter your gender, income, age, social status, or employment, living an hour’s drive or more away from a person who needs your help.
Take Tom, for example – he’s one of one of six siblings and the only one living in Washington state. Tom lives in Olympia, a 75-minute drive—in good traffic—to his mom Peggy’s house, his childhood home in Seattle. …
The Geography of Families and the Art of Long-Distance CaregivingRead More »
What is your role at Aging Wisdom?
Geriatric Care Manager. I also support new inquiry calls.
What made you want to work in the field of aging?
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Do you have a plan for the time when living at home is no longer safe or supportive for your parents, your spouse, your partner, or yourself?
Every situation is different, but there are common signs that it may be time to move. Understanding the landscape and planning for what’s to come can save a lot of stress and heartache in the long run. …
Concerns about an older parent’s well-being are normal. Striking the right balance between supporting independence and ensuring safety can be a struggle for adult children. One of the most common reasons adult children reach out to us is when a parent, who obviously needs help, refuses it.
When we see changes in our parents, it’s usually a sign that something has shifted. …
When Your Parent Refuses Help: How to move forwardRead More »