Elder Care:

It’s a fact: People are living longer. Most of us can look forward to being healthier and having more years to spend with our loved ones. As our own parents and elder relatives live longer they will likely need an increasing amount of care and support as they age. Current research in nutrition, ageing, pharmaceuticals and medical breakthroughs may not arrive in time for elderly family members who are now slowly but steadily losing their abilities to live independently. It is a difficult prospect to know that a loved one who was formerly vibrant, productive and full of vitality will slowly become cognitively disabled, forgetful, lethargic and emotionally detached.

A major problem for Baby Boomers is that many of us are still working and very involved with our own children, grandchildren and the pursuit of our lifestyles. How will we find the time and energy to take care of our ageing loved one when there already is not enough time in a day to manage our own lives? The situation is more difficult if there is also a geographical distance between us and the elderly person. It is not always possible to move closer in order to become more involved in elder care. Many times the younger generation feels helpless, saddened, guilty and anxious about not being able to “be there” for the ageing loved one.

Although there are no quick and easy solutions to this prevalent problem in our society, we can take a proactive role to prevent “surprises” in the inevitable decline of day to day functioning and to postpone this decline by maximizing their overall health. By evaluating the elderly person’s activities of daily living, what kinds of resources are available, past interests, their strengths, vulnerabilities, cognitive and medical status, it is possible to take an active role in maintaining independence as long as possible as well as to plan for the time when the next level of care will be necessary.

I have helped families understand and accept what they can and cannot do to help their elderly loved ones. My approach with Elder Care is to work with you in clarifying what your needs are, as well as the needs of your ageing loved one, to find a way to assist and coalesce these needs so that there is a compatible, realistic and efficient solution for everyone involved. Many times the younger person needs support and understanding to help them understand their own feelings about the situation at hand. I can help you find the right psychological solutions, services and products which will increase the quality of life for your ageing parent or relative. The first step in this vital process is a thorough assessment of your level of involvement and the present level of functioning of the elderly person. Feel free to contact me about my Elder Care services.