Waiting for a crisis. 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. Dr. Kernisan 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 aging, caring, and living well. You can schedule a free get-acquainted call with us by clicking here.
- 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.
- Cost of Long-Term Care. The Genworth Cost of Care Survey is a great place to start to understand the potential cost of long-term care in your parents' geographic area. The cost of that care varies based on care setting, geographic location of care and level of care required, among other things.
- 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. Most groups are virtual now due to the COVID pandemic. Many community and senior centers, as well as healthcare systems offer support groups as well. The insights of others on a similar journey are invaluable.
- Your local library. In addition to books and other resource materials, many libraries offer classes and activities. Check the events board or calendar for specifics.
Thanks for listening! Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
