You’ve tried everything to help your parents, and nothing has worked. Sometimes you must wait for a crisis to happen before you can make changes.
Geriatrician Leslie Kernisan refers to this as “watchful waiting.” In the meantime, you continue to monitor the situation. You stay engaged with your parents but pull back on suggestions.
This is an opportunity for you to get better educated about resources, supports, and options ahead of a change or crisis.
Where to begin?
- Online resources can be overwhelmingly abundant. One positive place to start is Better Health While Aging, a website started by geriatrician Leslie Kernisan, MD, MPH. She understands the landscape of aging, how it impacts families, and offers a comprehensive overview of topics and common concerns. She’s also co-written a book – When Your Aging Parent Needs Help – that you may find helpful.
- Engage a Care Manager. Aging Wisdom Care Managers are experts in aging and helping individuals and families prepare for and navigate options for living, caring, and aging well. You can schedule a get-acquainted call with us by clicking here. Check our blog articles and other podcasts too!
- If you live outside the greater Seattle area, you can check the Aging Life Care Association, our professional association, for a care manager in your area by clicking here.
- Support groups can be a great place to start. If your parent has dementia, for example, the Alzheimer’s Association likely has a family caregiver support group in your area. Some groups are virtual. Many community and senior centers, as well as healthcare systems offer support groups. The insights of others on a similar journey are invaluable.
- Your local library, community or senior center. In addition to books and other resource materials, many libraries, community and senior centers offer classes and activities.
Could you benefit from a coaching session? We have the knowledge and expertise to help guide the journey. Click here to schedule a get-acquainted call with one of our Certified Care Managers.