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This month at Assisting Hands Home Care Potomac our blog is talking about alternative choices for aging parents. When our parents become elderly, we need to plan and set up the family framework for the best possible options for them to age in place…or not? Read on to learn more about some guidelines that will help set up a process for success for all.
Source: http://www.thewellnesssite.org/alternative-choices-for-aging-parents/
Alternative Choices for Aging Parents Includes Taking Time to Plan
Old age, despite the physical limitations, can be a time of variety, creativity and fulfillment. Yet it is also a time that most of us are not prepared for. Planning for the changes brought with aging is put on the back burner or altogether avoided. With denial there are always consequences and in this case the consequences are usually costly.
As we live longer, taking care of our kids turns into taking care of our parents. It’s a time that can bring up tons of emotion along with stress. The family’s health and well-being is put to the test in a big way.
When the time comes to make decisions, and it most definitely will, why not explore some alternative choices and healing options to ease the stress of the changes that will take place.
Alternative Choices Requires Preparing for Changes
When facing a stubborn parent or a parent who may hardly recognize that it is time to make changes or obtain assistance, it is always best to introduce alternative healing modalities in small doses.
To start it is best to have a family gathering if possible. Family members will play a key role even if the members are not closely bonded. When it comes time to consider the care taking of a parent it is important to reach out to as many immediate family members as possible.
It’s A Family Affair
During discussion, it will become clear who will be in charge as the primary caregiver or caregivers. It may wind up being you. Most of us really don’t think that far in advance, but in our hearts we know that at some point our parents may need our help.
General Practitioners
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Healing Medicine
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Alternative Choices
Working with a parent’s General Practitioner is essential. The caregivers need a medical history as well as a list or current and former medications that have been prescribed. Unfortunately, “wellness” as a concept has not been popular in the past, so most of our parents have been on prescribed drugs for most of their adult lives.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW WHAT THOSE DRUGS ARE.
As the common effects of aging take place and progress over time, being prepared and knowing what will take place provides the family with choices and options. The more you know the easier it is to introduce alternative healing options while coping with the inevitable changes.
Family and Alternative Choices with Guidance
It is always a good idea to seek support when becoming a primary caregiver. Too often families try to do it all and become overwhelmed. A wellness counselor can help guide and assist the family through the alternative choices being made and transitions.
A wellness counselor will work with the family core by guiding members to look at what they want and what behaviors or thoughts may be preventing the family from working together while caring for aging parents.
It is important to remember that our aging parents have the ability to learn adjust and make alternative choices. This continues throughout life and is strongly influenced by maintaining activities, good communications and the motivation to keep these interests in tact. With years of rich experience and reflection, the family core can rise above changing circumstances and live a wonderful fulfilling life while being primary caregivers.
To know more about the process of aging visit http://www.healthinaging.org/
Read more: http://www.thewellnesssite.org/alternative-choices-for-aging-parents/#ixzz4GgWdX91B
