Family on the Brink - Caring for Elderly Parents

FACTS & TIPS FROM BARBARA MC VICKER'S BLOG


Over 75 million people care for an elderly parent.

Most decisions are made out of crisis. Being proactive is the only way to stay sane.

Let go of futile efforts and focus on the battles you can win.

Consider your own needs first! Put your oxygen mask on first before assisting others!

70% of adult children have never talked to their parents about finances.

People age 85+ are the fastest growing segment of the population.

It's never too soon. Start the conversation early while your parents are still able to make decisions.Barbara provides clients, sales professionals, and caregivers essential caregiving information.

Don't sacrifice yourself for the perceived good of your parents without including your own needs.

Even great families become dysfunctional while caregiving for elderly parents.

It's normal to feel angry, resentful, guilty, inadequate, and lonely. Handle those feelings properly.

The best gift we can give our children is to get our financial, medial, & legal documents in order now.

Take time off! You're more useful when you're relaxed and healthy!

Be prepared to say goodbye.


Barbara McVicker

Stuck in the Middle LLC

614-893-6467
ABC Nightly News has had a week-long series running about siblings caring for aging parents titled "Family on the Brink". During one episode, they interviewed a family who said there were clashes as they first started out caregiving. Now the adult children have some suggestions:

•Ask for Help

•Support the Primary Caregiver

•Remember that Everyone Reacts Differently

•Don't Let This Tear the Family Apart

Some additional suggestions I'd like to offer are that the whole family needs to support the primary caregiver by:

•Saying "Thank You"

•Sharing the Care

•Arranging Respite Care

•Providing Financial Support

•Providing Emotional Support

-Barbara McVicker