Caring & Connection

I haven't written an entry in a long time, and there is a good reason why. Like many baby-boomers, I have an aging parent who sometimes needs my help. My mother is 91 years old, and has been very healthy all of her life. Then, last fall, she broke her back. We're not sure how, since she was alone when it happened, and the story changes with each telling, but she was bedridden for two months following the injury. She did not want to go into assisted living in the retirement home where she lives, and did not want to go to the health center either. So the family decided to attempt to allow her to remain in independent living by providing her with the assistance she needed to do so. And although we were able to be there for her, it was, of course, a challenge to fit it all into our already full lives. Baby-boomers are very familiar with this scenerio, and need to balance their own needs with the needs of their aging parent(s).

Here are a few suggestions for ways to balance it all and maintain a sense of caring for your older parent as you provide for their increasing dependency, health and transportation needs, and other types of needs they develop as they age.

Remember you love them and want them t0 be happy.

If you don't feel like you love them, remember everyone needs love. Perhaps y0u can explore ways t0 feel more loving toward them...(Life coaching can help with this!)

Be sure to balance giving with taking time for yourself. Find time to enjoy activities that are satisfying and fun! Even if finding time is a challenge, it is vital to prioritize time for self-care...and even self-indulgence! Being good to yourself reduces resentment t0ward the parent who needs your help.

Get help from community resources, and from siblings and other family members, when possible. You may be unaware of how much help is available to you and your family. Check it out!