When Living Alone Is No Longer An Option

Most seniors, at some point in their life, must make the painful decision to leave their home. They find that living alone is no longer an option.

If for some reason they are incapacitated and unable to make their own decisions, a family member or close friend must step in to make arrangements for their care.

These three tips can ease an aging person's transition:

1. Discuss the future as early as possible. By the time people enter their fifties, they are beginning to discuss the future, often because they have helped their own parents. That is a good time for boomers to let their own children know their thoughts and concerns for their future.

2. Deal with the reality of the situation. Many times what we want to do in the future and what we are physically or financially able are two different things. We need to be honest with ourselves and our families as we head into the future.

3. Develop a tentative plan ahead of time. Write your desires down and keep them in a safe place. What do you really want if you become incapacitated? Does your spouse or children know your wishes?

As parents age, it is vitally important that trusted individuals have access to necessary papers such as wills or end of life choices. By keeping all family members apprised of a seniors wishes, concerns, and needs, conflicts will less likely occur.

This blog contains just a portion of the article Elder Care: When Living Alone is no Longer an Option. See the complete article at www.associatedcontent.com/ediedykeman.

Blogger on the Move

Edie's Potpourri has opened for business. EP will exist in a more relaxed, informal, and anything goes atmosphere. Elder Care Cafe will strive to interact with other caregivers on a more formal basis.

Let me know what you think of Elder Care Cafe, what topics would you like to discuss or learn more about, what information and advice can you share from your experience as a caregiver.

I would love this to be an open forum for caregivers, especially Boomers, who are involved with the care of their elderly parents whether living in the same home, in the area, or caring from a distance.

Elder Care Cafe's Inaugural Post

Elder care has long been a concern to my family. My mother died in 2004 due to complications from TIA dementia, approximately ten years after her initial diagnosis. You will hear more of her story later.

I am currently living with my eight-five-year-old father who shows signs of possible Alzheimers, or at the very least a diminished thinking capacity. He has not yet been diagnosed. More about Dad on later posts.

Hopefully this blog will become a place of respite, an opportunity to share information and experiences in the world of caregiving - especially caring for our parents. I am at the leading edge of the baby boomer generation (1946-1964) and hope what we share here will be of help to those coming along behind.

So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, relax a while, and share your experience, impart wisdom or nuggets of information regarding the challenging, yet fulfilling, life of elder care.